What does "conflict of interest" mean for a notary public?

The concept of "conflict of interest" for a notary public primarily refers to a situation where the notary has a personal interest in the transaction at hand. This means that if a notary stands to gain something personally or financially from the outcome of the notarization, it can compromise their impartiality and objectivity. In such cases, the notary may find themselves in a position where their duty to act in the best interest of the parties involved could be influenced by their personal interests, leading to a potential misuse of their notarial powers.

Maintaining impartiality is critical in notarial acts, as the notary serves as a neutral witness to the signing of documents. If a notary has a conflict, they must generally refrain from performing the notarization to uphold the integrity of the process. This ensures that all parties can rely on the notary's unbiased presence in the transaction.

The other options reflect different aspects of professional conduct or requirements for notaries but do not accurately define "conflict of interest." Disclosing relationships may be necessary in certain contexts but does not encompass the broader implications of a personal stake in the transaction. Witnessing a family member's signature could raise ethical questions but is not automatically a conflict if the notary remains