North Carolina Notary Practice Exam

What should a notary do if they have reasonable doubt about the authenticity of a document?

1. Proceed with the notarization

2. Notarize the document after verifying online

3. Refuse to notarize the document

4. Consult an attorney for guidance

The correct answer is: Refuse to notarize the document

When a notary has reasonable doubt about the authenticity of a document, the most appropriate course of action is to refuse to notarize the document. This is because a notary's primary responsibility is to ensure that the person signing the document is doing so willingly and that they are who they claim to be. If there is uncertainty regarding the authenticity, notarizing the document could lead to legal repercussions for the notary, as they would not be fulfilling their duty to protect the integrity of the notarization process. By refusing to notarize, the notary is acting prudently in maintaining the standards of their profession and safeguarding the public against potential fraud or misrepresentation. Notarization is a legal act that requires the notary to have a high level of confidence in the authenticity of the documents they are validating. If doubt exists, it is better to err on the side of caution and not proceed with the notarization. This ensures that the notary does not inadvertently facilitate any fraudulent activity or endorse a document that may not be legitimate.