What is one of the major ethical obligations of a Notary Public?

One of the major ethical obligations of a Notary Public is to act with integrity and not engage in any acts of fraud. This duty is crucial because notaries serve as impartial witnesses in the signing of important documents, and their role is to ensure that the process is conducted honestly and ethically. A notary's commitment to integrity helps maintain the trust in the notarial process, which protects individuals and businesses from potential fraud and misrepresentation.

By adhering to this ethical obligation, notaries contribute to the legitimacy of the documents they notarize, ensuring that they accurately reflect the intentions and identities of the signers. This is foundational to the responsibilities of a notary, as any unethical behavior can lead to severe consequences, including legal repercussions and loss of the notary's commission. It underlines the importance of transparency and reliability in the notarization process, which is essential for public confidence in legal transactions.