Hawaii Notary Public Practice Exam

Is it permissible for a notary public to notarize their own signature?

1. Yes, it is allowed

2. No, it is not allowed

3. Only under special circumstances

4. Yes, but only if another notary watches

The correct answer is: No, it is not allowed

A notary public is not allowed to notarize their own signature due to the inherent conflict of interest this creates. The primary role of a notary is to act as an impartial witness to the signing of documents, ensuring the integrity of the process. When a notary attempts to notarize their own signature, they undermine their objectivity and neutrality, which are essential qualities in performing notarial duties. This prohibition is in place to maintain the integrity of the notarial process and to prevent any potential abuse of power or fraudulent activities. The notarial act requires the notary to verify the identity of the signer, assess their willingness to sign, and ensure they are acting without coercion. Since a notary cannot objectively fulfill these responsibilities for their own signature, the act is deemed impermissible. Other options suggest various allowances for notarizing one's own signature, but none reflect the established legal and ethical standards set forth for notaries. The requirement for impartiality and the necessity of avoiding conflicts of interest are the foundational reasons for this rule.