If a notary refuses to perform a notarial act, what should they do?

If a notary refuses to perform a notarial act, what should they do?

• A. Leave the situation immediately
• B. Take pictures for documentation
• C. Record the refusal in their notary journal
• D. Explain to the signer that it's unnecessary

Answer: (C)

When a notary refuses to perform a notarial act, the appropriate action is to record the refusal in their notary journal. This is important for documentation purposes and helps maintain a clear record of all notarial activities, including any instances where a notarization is not completed. Keeping an accurate journal supports the notary in case of any disputes or questions regarding the refusal and provides evidence of professional conduct. Recording the refusal serves as a formal acknowledgment of the decision not to proceed with the notarial act, ensuring transparency and accountability in the notary's work. Additionally, many states require notaries to maintain a record of all transactions, including refusals, which helps uphold the integrity of the notarial process. The other options may not align with the formal requirements or best practices expected of a notary. Leaving the situation immediately does not create a documented record, taking pictures may not be necessary and could be considered intrusive or irrelevant, and explaining to the signer that it's unnecessary does not provide any documentation or formal account of the refusal.

When a notary refuses to perform a notarial act, the appropriate action is to record the refusal in their notary journal. This is important for documentation purposes and helps maintain a clear record of all notarial activities, including any instances where a notarization is not completed. Keeping an accurate journal supports the notary in case of any disputes or questions regarding the refusal and provides evidence of professional conduct.

Recording the refusal serves as a formal acknowledgment of the decision not to proceed with the notarial act, ensuring transparency and accountability in the notary's work. Additionally, many states require notaries to maintain a record of all transactions, including refusals, which helps uphold the integrity of the notarial process.

The other options may not align with the formal requirements or best practices expected of a notary. Leaving the situation immediately does not create a documented record, taking pictures may not be necessary and could be considered intrusive or irrelevant, and explaining to the signer that it's unnecessary does not provide any documentation or formal account of the refusal.