Module 6: Common Mistakes & Legal Risks
Legal Consequences & Reducing Risk
Notaries are legally liable for their mistakes. Because a notarization carries legal weight, errors are not just administrative slip-ups — they can lead to real consequences.
✓Possible consequences of serious mistakes:
- Civil liability — being sued by a party harmed by an improper notarization
- Criminal penalties in cases of fraud or willful misconduct
- Suspension or permanent revocation of your notary commission
- Damage to your professional reputation and loss of clients
✓How to reduce your legal risk:
- Follow the same proper procedure for every single notarization — never skip steps to save time
- Keep your journal accurate, complete, and up to date
- Verify identity carefully every time, without exceptions
- When something feels "off," pause and refuse rather than proceed
Careful, consistent procedure is the best protection a notary has. The notaries who avoid legal trouble are the ones who treat every notarization — no matter how routine — with the same level of care.