Is it permissible for a notary to refuse service to a signer?

A notary public has the discretion to refuse to perform notarial acts for various reasonable causes. This includes situations where the notary has a valid concern regarding the identity of the signer, the capacity of the signer to understand the document, or if the request appears to be fraudulent. The notary's primary responsibility is to ensure that the notarization process is conducted appropriately and ethically, which sometimes necessitates a refusal to serve if there are red flags present.

For instance, if a notary is presented with a document that seems suspicious or if they cannot verify the identity of the signer, they are justified in declining service. This discretion is important for the integrity of the notarial process, protecting both the notary and the public from potential fraud or legal issues.

The other options suggest an obligation to serve every individual regardless of circumstances, which does not align with the notary’s duty to maintain ethical standards and ensure that all parties involved in a notarization process are acting in good faith.