What happens if a notary performs a notarial act outside their jurisdiction?

When a notary performs a notarial act outside their jurisdiction, the act may be deemed invalid because notaries are authorized to perform their duties only within the specific geographic area granted to them by the state where they are commissioned. Each state has its own regulations governing notarial acts, and those laws dictate where notaries can operate legally.

If a notary goes beyond their jurisdiction, the integrity of the notarial act is at risk, which can lead to complications in the document's legal standing. This is especially important because the purpose of notarization is to provide a level of verification and authenticity that is recognized within that jurisdiction. If the notary has acted outside of their authorized area, it undermines the reliability of their signature and seal, and as a result, the document may be deemed legally ineffective.

Additionally, the other options involve scenarios that do not accurately reflect the legal ramifications of performing notarial acts outside one's jurisdiction, such as assuming the validity of an unauthorized act regardless of location or placing penalties strictly on the signer. Therefore, understanding the geographical limitations placed on notaries is crucial for ensuring the legality and usability of notarial acts.