Under what condition can a notary refuse to notarize a document?

A notary can refuse to notarize a document when it is incomplete or appears to be fraudulent because their primary role is to ensure the integrity of the notarization process. Notarization requires that the document be complete and accurately represent the intentions of all parties involved. If a document is not fully completed, the notary risks attesting to something that the signer has not officially verified, which can lead to legal issues.

Furthermore, if a document appears to be fraudulent, notarizing it would not only undermine the notary's credibility but could also potentially involve them in illegal activities. This responsibility to uphold the law and ethical standards is a fundamental aspect of a notary's duties, ensuring that they only validate legitimate documents and transactions. By refusing to act on incomplete or suspicious documents, the notary maintains the trust that the public places in the notarization process.