New York State Notary Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Notaries are not permitted to give legal advice because their role is strictly to serve as impartial witnesses to the signing of documents and to verify the identities of the individuals involved. This limitation is in place to ensure that notaries do not overstep their authority or provide services that could be construed as practicing law without a license.

The responsibilities of a notary include administering oaths, taking acknowledgments, and certifying copies of documents. However, providing legal advice requires specific knowledge of the law and is reserved for licensed attorneys. By restricting notaries from giving legal advice, the law aims to protect the public from misinformation or accidental malpractice that could arise from unqualified individuals offering legal counsel.

Hence, the correct understanding is that a notary's duties are clearly defined, and engaging in activities that suggest they are qualified to provide legal advice can lead to legal repercussions for the notary and confusion for the public.