North Carolina Notary Practice Exam

What is the appropriate action if a notary suspects that a signer is being coerced?

1. Proceed with the notarization

2. Ask a witness to confirm

3. Refuse to notarize the document

4. Contact law enforcement

The correct answer is: Refuse to notarize the document

The appropriate action if a notary suspects that a signer is being coerced is to refuse to notarize the document. This is rooted in the notary's ethical duty to ensure that the signer is acting voluntarily and is fully competent to enter into the transaction. Notarization requires that the signer understands what they are signing and is doing so without any undue influence. Coercion undermines this fundamental principle. Refusing to notarize in such circumstances protects both the integrity of the notarization process and the rights of the signer. By doing so, the notary preserves the validity of the document and safeguards against potential legal issues that could arise from a document executed under duress. This action reflects adherence to the laws governing notarial practices and reinforces the notary's role as an impartial witness. While asking a witness to confirm or contacting law enforcement may seem proactive, these actions do not align directly with the immediate responsibility of the notary in the context of ensuring free will during the notarization process. Proceeding with the notarization would contravene the notary's responsibilities and could have legal repercussions.