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

The correct response highlights the ethical considerations surrounding notarizing documents for family members. Notarizing for relatives can lead to potential conflicts of interest, as a notary should remain impartial and objective in their duties. When a notary has a personal relationship with a signer, it may raise questions about the integrity and independence of the notarization process.

The notary's role is to provide an unbiased witness to the signing of documents, ensuring that the signer is doing so willingly and without coercion. When family members are involved, it can create a perception that the notary's judgment may be compromised. Therefore, while it is not outright prohibited, it is generally discouraged to maintain the integrity of the notarial process.

This context explains why the other options may not be suitable. While some suggest that notarization could occur under certain conditions, these scenarios do not address the ethical implications that arise from personal relationships. Thus, the recommendation to avoid notarizing for family members is rooted in the importance of upholding the notary's neutrality.