Can a notary perform their duties if they are under the influence of drugs or alcohol?

A notary public must always be in a competent state to perform their duties. This requirement ensures the integrity of the notarization process, which relies on the notary's ability to verify identities, understand the documents being signed, and ensure that all parties are entering into the transaction freely and willingly. If a notary is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, their judgment may be impaired, which could lead to mistakes, misunderstandings, or even fraudulent activities.

Maintaining a clear and sound mind is critical to upholding the responsibilities associated with notarization. The law mandates that notaries act with integrity and properly fulfill their duties. Notarization is a crucial legal function, and allowing a notary to perform their role while impaired could undermine public trust in the legitimacy of notarized documents. This is why the requirement for a notary to be in a competent state is so important; it ensures the reliability and validity of the notarial acts performed.