Is it legal for a notary to notarize a document in which they have a personal interest?

A notary public is expected to maintain an impartial and unbiased stance when performing their duties. This impartiality is crucial as it ensures the integrity of the notarization process, protecting the authenticity of the document and the parties involved. When a notary has a personal interest in a document, it creates a conflict that undermines the objectivity required for their role.

By making the statement that it is illegal for a notary to notarize a document in which they have a personal interest, it underscores the importance of upholding ethical standards in notarial acts. If a notary were to notarize a document where they have a vested interest, it could lead to questions about the validity of the notarization and could expose the notary to legal repercussions. Therefore, the law typically prohibits such actions to safeguard the public's trust in the notarial system.