Ohio Notary Practice Exam

What must a notary do if they suspect the signer of coercion?

1. Proceed with the notarization

2. Refuse to notarize the document

3. Consult law enforcement

4. Ask for additional identification

The correct answer is: Refuse to notarize the document

The correct action for a notary who suspects that a signer may be experiencing coercion is to refuse to notarize the document. This decision is rooted in the notary's responsibility to ensure that the signer is acting voluntarily and without any undue influence. Notaries are required to verify not just the identity of the signer, but also their willingness to sign without pressure or intimidation. If a notary feels that the signer is not doing so freely, proceeding with the notarization would compromise the integrity of the notarial act and could potentially lead to legal implications for both the notarizing party and the signer. Therefore, the notary must prioritize the identification of genuine consent over completing the notarization. While consulting law enforcement may seem like a necessary step in certain scenarios, it does not directly address the immediate obligation of the notary to ensure that the signing is voluntary. Similarly, asking for additional identification or proceeding with the notarization would also neglect the core duty of safeguarding the signer's autonomy. Overall, the refusal to notarize is the most appropriate and responsible response when coercion is suspected.