When the signer presents a valid government-issued ID but the notary personally dislikes the signer
When the signer is unable to speak English and the notary speaks only English
When the notary's private employer has entered into a limited service agreement that restricts notarizations to employer-related transactions
When the signer requests an acknowledgment but the notary prefers to perform only jurats
Official source: 2026 California Notary Public Handbook (2026)
Reference: Misconduct/Fees
Source checked September 7, 2026
Correct Answer
C. When the notary's private employer has entered into a limited service agreement that restricts notarizations to employer-related transactions
Detailed 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.
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