Is a notary public allowed to notarize a document in which they have a personal interest?

The correct answer is that a notary public is not allowed to notarize a document in which they have a personal interest because it creates a conflict of interest. Notaries are required to act as unbiased witnesses to the signing of documents, ensuring that they maintain impartiality in their duties. When a notary has a personal interest in a document, it compromises their ability to be an objective third party, which undermines the integrity of the notarization process and the trust placed in notaries by the public.

A notary's role is to uphold the law and provide a service that safeguards the authenticity of signatures and prevents fraud. Therefore, allowing notarization in circumstances where there is personal interest could lead to questions about the validity of the notarization and could potentially expose all parties involved to legal issues. The requirement to remain impartial is a foundational principle that governs the responsibilities of a notary public, ensuring respect for the law and public trust.