Are Notaries allowed to give legal advice?

Notaries are prohibited from giving legal advice or interpreting legal documents. This is primarily because their role is to act as impartial witnesses in the signing of documents, rather than to provide legal counsel or guidance. The purpose of a notary is to ensure that the signer is who they claim to be, that they understand the document they are signing, and that they are signing it willingly, without coercion. Engaging in the provision of legal advice could lead to conflicts of interest, potential harm to the public, or violations of the law, depending on the jurisdiction. Thus, the clear boundary established by the regulations aims to protect the integrity of the notary's duties and prevent any misrepresentation of their role.