Your Cookies are Disabled! NationalNotary.org sets cookies on your computer to help improve performance and provide a more engaging user experience. By using this site, you accept the terms of our cookie policy. Learn more.

3 risky questions signers ask Notaries — and how to answer them

Updated 1-29-24. The duties Notaries perform are strictly regulated by state law. Answering the wrong kinds of questions from signers can get you in serious legal and financial trouble. Below are three examples of risky questions signers may ask Notaries, why these questions are potentially dangerous, and how the NNA’s Hotline Team recommends you respond.

  1. "Can't you just bend the rules to help me out?"
  2. "Can you help me prepare this document?"
  3. "Can you accept a copy or picture of my ID?"

Risky Question 1: “Can’t you just bend the rules to help me out?”

When signers need notarizations, it’s often urgent. If signers have a problem getting to you, or there’s an issue with their ID, they often ask you to ignore proper procedure or bend the rules, including variations such as:

  • “I forgot my ID. Can’t you just notarize my signature without it?”
  • “My kid is sick, and I can’t make it to your office. Can’t I just send the document for you to stamp and pick it up later?”
  • “This is an important client. I know the law says you need to ask for his driver’s license, but I don’t want to embarrass him, so would you just notarize without it?”

The Risk: Failing to follow the correct procedure is an invitation to lose your Notary commission. If you don’t require a signer to personally appear for the notarization, ignore the requirements for satisfactory evidence of identity, or agree to any improper Notary requests, you are breaking the law and opening the document to potential fraud. If a dishonest signer can commit fraud thanks to your negligence, you not only risk your commission but you could be held liable for any damages a victim suffers as a result.

The Recommended Response: If someone asks you to bend or break the rules or ignore proper procedure when notarizing, there’s only one answer: No. If the signer won’t accept that, don’t proceed with the notarization. It’s better to have an unhappy signer than being sued for negligence or losing your commission.

Risky Question 2: “Can you help me prepare this document?”

Signers often need important legal or business documents notarized but aren’t sure how to complete them, so they may turn to you for help:

  • “Help me out. Can you tell me what information I need to fill in here?”
  • “Can you prepare a power of attorney document for me?”
  • “What kind of notarization do I need for this type of document?”

The Risk: Notaries who are not attorneys are prohibited from giving legal advice that they aren’t qualified to provide. This is known as the unauthorized practice of law. Unfortunately, many well-intentioned Notaries don’t realize that answering questions about a document, preparing a document or simply choosing the type of notarization constitutes a violation if the Notary is not a qualified attorney, and can result in civil or criminal liability.

The Recommended Response: If you are asked to help prepare or complete document or choose the type of notarization needed, and you are not an attorney, you should decline and explain that you are not allowed to provide legal advice. If you are asked to choose a notarization for them, you may describe the different types of notarizations available and let the signer decide, the signer can contact the document-issuing agency or receiving agency for instructions. Another option is for the signer to speak with a qualified attorney. 

Risky Question 3: “Can you accept a copy or picture of my ID?”

While every state’s rules are different when it comes to identifying signers, all without exception agree that a signer must present an original ID to the Notary. You should be careful if a signer asks you one of the following questions:

  • “I’ve got a photocopy of my driver’s license. Can you accept that instead?”
  • “I don’t have my ID with me, but here’s a picture of it on my mobile phone, OK?”

The Risk: It’s never a good idea to accept a photocopy or image in lieu of an actual ID. Without having the original ID, you have no way of knowing if the copy or image has been altered or changed. Also, a copy lacks the security features, such as holograms or raised text, that you can use to help verify an ID is genuine — increasing the chance that a dishonest signer can get away with fraud without you realizing it.

The Recommended Response: Don’t accept a photocopy or photo in place of an actual identification card. If the signer doesn’t have an ID, don’t proceed with the notarization but invite the signer to return with their ID in hand.

David Thun is the Editorial Manager at the National Notary Association.


Additional Resources:

The Notary Public Code Of Professional Responsibility

NNA Hotline


View All: Best Practices

75 Comments

Add your comment

Linda B. Wells

15 Feb 2019

I have a seal & the date has expired in the seal but I have renewed my notary license. Can i draw a line thru the date or do i have to order another seal...

National Notary Association

15 Feb 2019

Hello Linda. To help us answer your question, can you please tell us what state you are commissioned in?

Jorge Galicia

18 Feb 2019

This is more of a quesntion than a comment, states that if a signer asks us to help them prepare certain documents we are not allowed to help them but what about If a notary is also a documents preparer? Is this person allowed to prepare the documents and notarize it or the preparer/notary have to get another person to notarize? Im in California.

National Notary Association

20 Feb 2019

Hello. A California Notary who has a direct financial or beneficial interest in a transaction is not permitted to perform any notarial act in connection with such transaction. However, a California Notary is not considered to have a direct financial or beneficial interest in the transaction if the Notary is acting in the capacity of an agent, employee, insurer, attorney, escrow, or lender for a person (GC 8224).

Lindsay

18 Feb 2019

"If you are asked to choose a notarization for them, you may describe the different types of notarizations available and let the signer decide, or they can contact the document-issuing or receiving agency for instructions." My question: Am I, the notary, allowed to contact the document-issuing/receiving agency and receive instructions directly? Or, should only the signer do that? Located in GA.

National Notary Association

20 Feb 2019

Hello. It is the signer's responsibility to contact the agency in order to determine what notarization is needed.

Lorraine Bornio

18 Feb 2019

Your response to Question 2 should include and exception statement for Louisiana Notaries. Thanks

Linda Seger

18 Feb 2019

#2 needs to be amended to read "Notaries who are not attorneys or otherwise authorized by their state are prohibited from preparing documents or giving legal information that they aren’t qualified to provide." As in some states non-attorneys CAN prepare legal documents and even answer such questions.

Irene Varvaris

18 Feb 2019

I am opening my own company and going to be the only notary there. Can I notarize lein waivers for payments?

National Notary Association

20 Feb 2019

Hello. So we can answer your question, can you please tell us what state you are commissioned in?

Lewis l Thomas

19 Feb 2019

Great advice I invite all of you to take the test it's a series of five questions you should knowI hope you all do well on the test I got all five questions right just testing your skills and knowledge

Carolyn Allen

10 Mar 2019

Can a Notary help the signer by printing their name and address on a power of attorney form? The signer’s handwriting is not legible due to illness. New Jersey. Thank you.

National Notary Association

11 Mar 2019

Hello. No, in Opinion No. 41, Notaries Public and the Unauthorized Practice of Law, the Committee on the Unauthorized Practice of Law appointed by the New Jersey Supreme Court, concluded: “Specifically, the Committee deems it to be an unauthorized practice of law for any notary public of the State of New Jersey to render assistance by giving advice or by preparing, reviewing, analyzing, or completing any forms, writings, pleadings, or other documents in person, in writing, electronically or otherwise” (Opinion 41 of the Committee on the Unauthorized Practice of Law, 178 N.J.L.J. 444 and 13 N.J.L. 2273, November 1, 2004).

Elsa Bernal

13 Mar 2019

my husband and I run own company and I’m the only notary there. Can I notarize lein waivers for payments? / Oklahoma

National Notary Association

15 Mar 2019

Hello. Oklahoma law prohibits a Notary from notarizing his or her own signature (49 OS 6[A]). If your business is a cooperative, a Notary who is an officer, trustee, member or shareholder of a cooperative may take acknowledgment of documents executed in favor of that cooperative or to which it is a party (18 OS 438.28). “The law does not forbid notaries from notarizing the signatures of relatives. However, if the notarized document was ever the subject of a court suit, a judge might determine the notary was not an impartial witness” (OK Secretary of State's website, “Notary FAQs”).

betty

14 Mar 2019

Just be aware that people that ask for these things WILL get angry with you for not breaking the law or your oath. I am asked to ask for copies of ID's. I always ask for their originals to check them against the copy. The copies are always helpful to double check your entries on The Patriot Act form, and ID form and your journal entries.

Serenia Jackson

19 Mar 2019

Question: If the signer presents an expired Driver’s License for identification, can the Notary (NY) perform the notariation?

National Notary Association

20 Mar 2019

Hello. New York does not provide guidelines regarding whether or not a Notary may accept an expired ID. “An acknowledgment must not be taken by any officer unless he knows or has satisfactory evidence, that the person making it is the person described in and who executed such instrument” (RPL 303).

Monica Haverkamp

15 May 2019

I previously worked at a large corporation with people I have worked with for several years. I would tell everyone that yes I know who you are, I know your idenity was checked when you came to work here, however, the state of Texas wants me to check your ID one more time. They usually understood that and did not ask me to break the rules.

Ellis C Collom

17 May 2019

I would like to see more coverage about other states. It seems that California is the most mentioned. I am new and waiting my commission from Tennessee.

K smith

25 Jul 2019

What should I do if someone texts me to have my secretary commit notary fraud. They asked and emailed me the document. Told them I would not. Should I turn them in? In state of PA.

National Notary Association

26 Jul 2019

Hello. It is your choice whether or not to report suspected misconduct by an individual to the authorities.

Michael T Holden

02 Mar 2020

In NY the rule reads that the Natary must be convinced of a person's identity. There is little mention on what official ID he needs. But, when you are working for a signing agent or directly for a lender, you follow their rules.

Delores M Soto

02 Mar 2020

If a document has already been signed, but not notarized, is it ok for your employer to ask you to notarize the document if the person brings in their photo ID?

National Notary Association

04 Mar 2020

Hello. If the signer is requesting an acknowledgment, then it is acceptable to notarize a signature that has been previously signed outside your presence, provided the signer appears in person before you for the notarization and is properly identified. However, if the signer requires a jurat where you must administer an oath or affirmation, the signer will need to sign the document again in your presence.

marla

02 Mar 2020

can i notarize the sellers signature even though im the buyer of a property??

National Notary Association

04 Mar 2020

Hello. No, you should not notarize if you are receiving a benefit or have an interest in the transaction.

Virginia

02 Mar 2020

To Linda Segers comment about #2. The only state in the US that is different is Louisiana. The rest of the country falls under the same guidelines.

Teresa

02 Mar 2020

Colorado just past a law allowing photo copies of ID

National Notary Association

04 Mar 2020

Hello. We are not aware of any Colorado law that permits Notaries to accept a photocopy of an ID as proof of signer identity. Could you please provide us with the statute number or a link to the law you are referring to?

Hugh

02 Mar 2020

Linda: "I have a seal & the date has expired in the seal but I have renewed my notary license. Can i draw a line thru the date or do i have to order another seal..." Not in Washington. Are there any states that allow the above practice?

Barbara A McCune

02 Mar 2020

My notary supplies and membership is paid by my employer in Texas. If they ask me to notarize a document (whose signature I recognize) is this acceptable?

National Notary Association

04 Mar 2020

Hello. Yes, provided the requested notarization meets all requirements of Texas law. For more information, please see here: https://www.nationalnotary.org/notary-bulletin/blog/2019/01/avoiding-conflicts-interest-workplace

Sherrie

02 Mar 2020

I am a licensed document prepare and a notary. Can I still create documents, input the notarial language and notarize it?

National Notary Association

04 Mar 2020

Based on what you’ve described, we think it would be best if you contacted our Hotline team by phone and provided them with a more detailed description of the situation. The NNA Hotline: 1-888-876-0827 Mon – Fri: 5:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (PT) Saturday: 5:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (PT) If you’re not an NNA Member or Hotline Subscriber, they will provide you with a one-time courtesy call.

Melody Beaudro

02 Mar 2020

A client asked me to Notarize their Will. I said I was happy to help, forgetting that my commission ended the previous week. How does one rectify this issue? Embarrassed...

Melody Beaudro

02 Mar 2020

Furthermore, in Oregon, I am familiar with this person with the Will. I had admitted this to him, that he has to return after my commission is finally renewed. My question is “how “ to fix the problem. Thanks

National Notary Association

04 Mar 2020

Hello. Any legal questions about correcting a will would need to be answered by a qualified attorney.

Ewpacs@gmail.com

03 Mar 2020

If the client ID is expired can I accept the expired ID?

National Notary Association

04 Mar 2020

Hello. To help us answer your question can you please tell us what state you are commissioned in?

louellenparrish@cox.net

05 Mar 2020

just checking out,,,may look into being a notary?????

National Notary Association

09 Mar 2020

Hello! If you would like more information about being a Notary, you may want to check out the information in our Knowledge Center at https://www.nationalnotary.org/knowledge-center. If you have other questions we can help you with, please feel free to post them here.

Kathy Barrett

21 May 2020

I have a question, Legal name on Birth Certificate is Juan Manuel But on California Driver’s License and Medical Insurance he goes by John Manuel - What do I do? I am trying to get birth certificate, but I need to get notarized proof of identification?

National Notary Association

21 May 2020

Based on what you’ve described, we think it would be best if you contacted our Hotline team by phone and provided them with a more detailed description of the situation. The NNA Hotline: 1-888-876-0827 Mon – Fri: 5:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (PT) Saturday: 5:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (PT) If you’re not an NNA Member or Hotline Subscriber, they will provide you with a one-time courtesy call.

Kerri Smith

04 Jun 2020

Hi! I am an Notary in North Carolina. I have customers that are building a house with us. The power company is having to bring in new power lines because the property is far out. The power company needs the signatures of all of the other property owners on that street so that they can dig on their land if necessary. One of the property owners is my customers aunt. She is blind and actually lives in Raleigh. We can't get power to the new job until they have turned in all of the signatures. Is there any way I can notarize a form where someone signs on behalf of the aunt, even if she is not present? Like a signature by proxy? Let me know if that doesn't make sense!

National Notary Association

05 Jun 2020

Based on what you’ve described, we think it would be best if you contacted our Hotline team by phone and provided them with a more detailed description of the situation. The NNA Hotline: 1-888-876-0827 Mon – Fri: 5:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (PT) Saturday: 5:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (PT) If you’re not an NNA Member or Hotline Subscriber, they will provide you with a one-time courtesy call.

James Wright

01 Mar 2021

As a loan signing agent in Pennsylvania, I heard that some companies may ask the Notary to help a borrower complete certain forms. This is illegal due to the fact that the Notary is not an attorney. All we should do is witness the signing. Am I correct? Thanks

National Notary Association

08 Mar 2021

Hello. Here is the response to your question from our NNA Notary Hotline team: "An NSA can complete forms on behalf of the lender, and when the lender provides the specific information to be entered on the form. No form should be completed by an NSA without direction of the lender and the specific information to be used."

Joe Ewing

01 Mar 2021

Question? If a client presented an affidavit to the notary and the notary after explaining acknowledgment and jurats, choose (for whatever reason) acknowledgment. The notary knowing it was the wrong choice, notarized it without an oath. Later the notary is being sued for gross negligence in court and being fined by the Secretary of State, would the NNA E&O policy cover his or her legal fees?

National Notary Association

03 Mar 2021

Hello. It depends on whether the Notary chose a policy that included coverage of legal fees or not.

Judy Straight

02 Mar 2021

I do know that in Colorado they have been issuing virtual driver's licenses. You have it on your phone, there is no hard copy wallet card to pull out.

Alicia Benjamin

02 Mar 2021

I was informed by a signing company in Florida that a witness is not needed to sign the mortgage. I thought that a witness was required. Is this a correct statement?

National Notary Association

03 Mar 2021

Hello. Since Notaries are ministerial officers, Notaries are not authorized to make judgments about requirements for documents apart from notarization. Doing so could be considered the unauthorized practice of law.

Patricia Walsh

07 Feb 2022

My transgender client had not updated her ID. On her ID, she still looked like a man. What can I do in a case like that?

National Notary Association

28 Feb 2022

Hello. To help us answer your question, can you please tell us what state you are commissioned in?

Lisa

09 Feb 2022

Do I make a copy of the signer's ID and keep a copy for my records?

National Notary Association

18 Feb 2022

Hello. You should not be making and keeping copies of signer IDs for your personal records, as this could be a violation of the signer's privacy. Please see here for more information: https://www.nationalnotary.org/notary-bulletin/blog/2019/07/avoiding-privacy-breaches-during-and-after-a-notarization

Lori B

30 Jan 2023

I say NO to all of the above questions. I make it crystal clear to anyone who needs my service; either they come prepared and follow,respect the protocol or they can go elsewhere.

Audralyn Odom

30 Jan 2023

Great update and reminder!! Thanks

sjackson3@tfhd.com

30 Jan 2023

California - if I am notarizing in a hospital for a patient and the signor gave a copy of their drivers license on check in but then their belongings were taken home may I use the hospital provided photocopy for the notary?

National Notary Association

02 Feb 2023

Hello. No, California Notaries may not accept a photocopy of an ID as proof of a signer's identity.

Mary Walker

30 Jan 2023

I am a newly commissioned notary in California. Do I need to have a business license in every municipality that I work in?

National Notary Association

08 Feb 2023

Hello. Please see this article for more information: https://www.nationalnotary.org/notary-bulletin/blog/2021/02/should-notaries-get-business-licenses-it-depends

stevenransom725@gmail.com

31 Jan 2023

I'm from Michigan, based on the above information; does this apply to the notary if he or she knows the person who is asking for let's say; “I forgot my ID. Can’t you just notarize my signature without it?”

National Notary Association

08 Feb 2023

Hello. In Michigan, “A notary public has satisfactory evidence that a person is the person whose signature is on a record if that person is any of the following: “(a) Personally known to the notary public. “(b) Identified upon the oath or affirmation of a credible witness personally known by the notary public and who personally knows the person. “(c) Identified on the basis of a current license, identification card, or record issued by a federal or state government that contains the person’s photograph and signature” (MCL 55.285[6]).” Michigan does not provide detailed guidelines for what constitutes personal knowledge of a signer's identity. This article provides general suggestions for helping decide if you know a signer well enough to identify them with personal knowledge in the absence of official state guidance: https://www.nationalnotary.org/notary-bulletin/blog/2015/11/notaries-use-personal-knowledge-identify-signers

Patricia Scheel

31 Jan 2023

Very helpful question & answer site. Some questions I had were answered for me.

Frieda Ganey

06 Feb 2023

When notarizing for a minor to get a tattoo, do I need to see the minors ID?

National Notary Association

07 Feb 2023

Hello. To help us answer your question, can you please tell us what type of notarial act is being requested and what state you are commissioned in?

Frieda Ganey

09 Feb 2023

The tattoo parlor needed permission from the minors parents to get the tattoo. I am in Florida.

National Notary Association

17 Feb 2023

What type of notarization is being requested (acknowledgment, jurat, etc.) and are you being asked to notarize the signature of the minor, parents or both?

The Angry Notary

12 Feb 2024

I'm constantly being asked to notarize copies of drivers licenses and passports. I'm in California. The last time it happened the guy argued with me about it and got angry. "Why can't you just do it?" Gee, let me tell you why...

kalagarac@gmail.com

12 Feb 2024

If my family member is the preparer of the document and I am a notary. Can I notarize the document in NC. Or What if my business partner is the preparer and I am a notary ? would that be a problem ?

National Notary Association

15 Feb 2024

Hello. In North Carolina, “A notary shall not perform a notarial act if any of the following apply: … The notary is a signer of, party to, or beneficiary of the record, that is to be notarized. However, a disqualification under this subdivision shall not apply to a notary who is named in a record solely as “(i) the trustee in a deed of trust, “(ii) the drafter of the record, “(iii) the person to whom a registered document should be mailed or sent after recording, or “(iv) the attorney for a party to the record, so long as the notary is not also a party to the record individually or in some other representative or fiduciary capacity. A notary who is an employee of a party shall not be disqualified under this subdivision solely because of the notary’s employment by a party to the record or solely because the notary owns stock in a party to the record … The notary will receive directly from a transaction connected with the notarial act any commission, fee, advantage, right, title, interest, cash, property, or other consideration exceeding in value the fees specified in G.S. 10B-31, other than fees or other consideration paid for services rendered by a licensed attorney, a licensed real estate broker or salesperson, a motor vehicle dealer, or a banker” (GS 10B-20[c][5] and [6]).

Loretta

14 Feb 2024

The answers to those three questions were very helpful. Thank you, I appreciate it.

Kathy Albaugh

16 Feb 2024

They were very helpfull

Leave a Comment

Required *

All comments are reviewed and if approved, will display.

Close