Under what circumstance can a notary public refuse a request to notarize a document?

A notary public can refuse a request to notarize a document if the document appears fraudulent or if valid identification is not provided. This is important because the notary's primary responsibility is to ensure the integrity of the notarization process. If a notary suspects that a document is not valid, it is their duty to decline the request in order to prevent potential fraud.

Moreover, valid identification is crucial to confirm the identity of the signer and to ensure that the person appearing before the notary is indeed who they claim to be. If the signer cannot present proper identification, the notary cannot be certain of the individual’s identity, which is essential for a valid notarization.

Situations such as personal feelings about the signer, disagreement with the document's contents, or the timing of the request do not provide legitimate grounds for refusing to notarize; the notary's role is to remain impartial and adhere to legal standards, rather than personal beliefs or convenience.