What should a notary public do if they identify a conflict of interest?

If a notary public identifies a conflict of interest, the appropriate action is to refuse to perform the notarial act. A conflict of interest occurs when the notary's impartiality may be compromised due to personal interests or relationships that could influence their ability to witness the signing of documents fairly and without bias. Notaries are entrusted with ensuring the integrity of the notarial process, which includes being objective and maintaining public confidence in their duties.

When faced with a conflict of interest, declining to proceed is essential to uphold the ethical standards of the position. This action not only protects the interests of the parties involved but also contributes to the overall trustworthiness of the notarial system. By choosing not to perform the act, the notary ensures that they do not inadvertently influence or appear to take sides in a matter that could lead to questions about the legitimacy of the notarization.

It's also critical for notaries to be aware of their ethical obligations, and by refusing to engage in a situation where there is a conflict, they demonstrate their commitment to uphold those standards.