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Misconduct/Fees

Under which of the following circumstances may a California notary public lawfully withhold notarial services?

A

When the signer presents a valid government-issued ID but the notary personally dislikes the signer

B

When the signer is unable to speak English and the notary speaks only English

C

When the notary's private employer has entered into a limited service agreement that restricts notarizations to employer-related transactions

D

When the signer requests an acknowledgment but the notary prefers to perform only jurats

Correct Answer

C. When the notary's private employer has entered into a limited service agreement that restricts notarizations to employer-related transactions

AI Explanation

Lawful grounds for withholding notarial services. A notary public who is employed by a private employer under a limited service agreement may be restricted to notarizing only documents related to the employer's business — and may withhold services for documents outside that scope. Personal dislike of a signer or a preference for one notarial act over another are NOT lawful grounds to refuse. Language barriers alone are also not a lawful basis for refusal; the notary should decline and refer the person rather than discriminate.

Misconduct/Fees Question #282
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