Module 8: Professionalism & Ethics

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Conflicts of Interest

A conflict of interest happens when a notary has a personal stake in the document or transaction. Because notaries must be neutral, they must avoid notarizing anything they could personally benefit from.

✓A notary should NOT notarize when:

  • They are a party to the document (signing it themselves)
  • They will receive a direct financial benefit from the transaction
  • The signer is a close family member (in many states)
  • They have any personal interest that could affect their neutrality

✓Examples:

  • You should not notarize your own loan documents
  • You should not notarize a contract where you are named as a beneficiary
  • You should not notarize a deed that gives you property

When you have any personal interest in a document, refer the signer to another notary. Even the appearance of a conflict can damage your credibility.

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