What is a notary's liability in performing notarial acts?

Notaries can indeed be held liable for errors or negligence in performing notarial acts. This responsibility comes from their professional obligation to adhere to established laws and standards while executing their duties. When a notary public verifies a signature, administers an oath, or performs any other notarial act, they must do so with a high level of care and integrity.

If a notary fails to fulfill these duties correctly — for instance, by witnessing a signature improperly, not verifying the identity of signers adequately, or not following proper procedures — they could be held legally accountable for any resulting damages. This liability can include civil penalties, claims for monetary damages, or other legal repercussions, especially when the error leads to a dispute or legal issue regarding the notarized document.

Hence, the understanding that notaries are liable for errors or negligence fosters a serious commitment to precision and adherence to state laws in the notarial process. This accountability is crucial in maintaining trust in notarization as a means of preventing fraud and ensuring the authenticity of documents.