The National Notary Bulletin

Can I Notarize My Father’s Application For A Handicap Placard?

By NNA Staff on November 18, 2016

My father is going to apply for a handicap placard. Can I notarize his paperwork? — C.O., Pennsylvania

Although not addressed in statute, it is recommended that a Notary not notarize for a spouse, parent, sibling, or other family member related by heredity or marriage because the financial affairs of family members are often intertwined. Such a notarization could be considered a conflict of interest. Thus, it is always the safest practice to avoid even the appearance of a financial or beneficial interest and not notarize documents for immediate family. Government Code, 57 PS 165[b] states a Notary Public may not notarize in any transaction in which he or she has a financial interest.

Hotline answers are based on the laws in the state where the question originated and may not reflect the laws of other states. If in doubt, always refer to your own state statutes. – The Editors

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6 Comments

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carolyn lipnick

29 Nov 2016

Confused by your answer. How would notarizing this be of financial interest to the Notary? "Government Code, 57 PS 165[b] states a Notary Public may not notarize in any transaction in which he or she has a financial interest."

Alicia

01 Dec 2016

As Carolyn stated, how is this a financial interest?

National Notary Association

01 Dec 2016

Hello. As stated in our response above, PA statute does not specifically address whether notarizing a parent's handicap placard is a conflict of interest or not--the law only says that Notaries in the state may not notarize if the Notary would receive a financial benefit from the transaction. In cases where it is unclear whether there is a potential conflict of interest, we recommend that the Notary avoid notarizing as a precaution against possible challenges to the notarization's validity in the future. In general, the NNA recommends against notarizing for close family members even when permitted by state law as a precaution against any appearance of bias on the Notary's part.

John

03 May 2023

The NNA does not understand the difficulty of getting an application for a handicapped parking permit notarized. Physician signatures must be notarized on the form completed by the handicapped individual, but physician's do not have notaries to do this in their offices and you can't legally get anything notarized if the signature is not affixed in the notary presence.

Alva Noonan

29 May 2023

I am wondering how is it suggested I get this form notarized, if no notary is at the doctors office?

National Notary Association

30 May 2023

Hello. One possible option may be to contact a mobile Notary service in your area who can set up an appointment to come to your location and notarize the document.

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