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Can a notary public notarize a document if they are a party to the transaction?

  1. Yes, they can notarize

  2. No, they cannot notarize

  3. Only if consent is given by all parties

  4. Yes, but only for non-financial transactions

The correct answer is: No, they cannot notarize

A notary public cannot notarize a document if they are a party to the transaction because this creates a conflict of interest. The role of a notary is to serve as an impartial witness to the signing of documents, ensuring that the signatures are legitimate and that the signers understand what they are signing. If a notary has a personal interest in the transaction, their ability to act impartially is compromised. This rule is in place to maintain the integrity of the notarization process and to prevent any potential fraud or coercion. In contrast, the other options present various scenarios that do not align with the fundamental principles of notary duties. Notarizing a document when a notary is involved in the transaction would undermine the neutrality expected in notarizations.