Can a Notary Refuse to Notarize a Document?
Picture this: you’ve got your document ready, your ID in hand, and you’re all set to get it notarized. But then the notary says,
“Sorry, I can’t notarize that.”
Frustrating, right? The good news is, a notary can only refuse for specific legal reasons—not just because they feel like it. Knowing those reasons ahead of time can save you a wasted trip and a whole lot of stress.
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When a Notary Can Say No (Legally)
A notary isn’t just a witness—they’re a state-appointed official. That means they have to follow strict rules, even if it’s inconvenient for you.
Here are the most common reasons they might say no:
- Your ID isn’t valid – It must be government-issued, current, and match the name on your document.
- Your Document is incomplete -Missing pages, for example you are presented a document with only a signature line and the signer doesn’t know what they are signing. In this case you want to ask them to obtain the full document so they can confidently and willingly sign.
- Another example would be, there is no notary certificate on the document; you cannot just stamp a document; you must ask the signer if they would like you to attach a loose-leaf acknowledgement or a jurat. Once you have this information, you can safely proceed. If you are notarizing a Jurat, the signer should fill in the blank spaces, and then you can notarize.
- Something feels off – If they suspect you’re being pressured or don’t fully understand what you’re signing or are not of sound mind, they have to stop. A notary can only notarize a signer who is mentally aware and willing to sign.
- They’re not authorized in that location – A notary can only notarize in the state or jurisdiction where they’re commissioned.
When They Shouldn’t Refuse
There are some things a notary should not use as an excuse:
- Your race, religion, or nationality.
- Your political views or personal beliefs.
- Just “not feeling like it.”
Notaries should treat everyone equally, no matter what.
If You Get Refused
First, don’t panic. Ask the notary why they can’t proceed. A professional will explain the legal reason and, if possible, tell you what needs to be fixed.
Sometimes it’s as simple as:
- Getting an updated ID.
- Obtaining the full document.
- Bringing the right witnesses.
If you believe they refused for the wrong reasons—like discrimination—you can file a complaint with your Secretary of State.
How to Avoid Being Turned Away
A little prep can make the process smooth:
- Bring a valid, U.S. government-issued photo ID.
- Don’t sign or fill anything out until the notary is present with you; depending on the type of notarization or document, they may need to place you under oath, have you sign in front of them, or even use a specific ink color.
- Don’t schedule an appointment if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Have a stable plan—especially if you’re doing Remote Online Notarization (RON).
Bottom Line
Yes, a notary can refuse—but only for the right reasons. If you know the rules, you’ll be much less likely to run into problems.
Whether in person or online, a good notary will make the process clear, legal, and stress-free. And if you want to skip the travel altogether, RON makes notarizing as easy as a quick video call.
As a signer, you always want to be prepared for your appointment. Good news for you, we’ve created a checklist so YOU can feel prepared for your notary appointment.
Ever wondered if a notary can say “no” to notarizing your document? This blog explains when, why, and how a notary might refuse—so you know what to expect before your next signing.