Q: As a notary can I notarize things for my place of employment, such as a certificate of authenticity of medical records,
DNR orders, Wills, life sustaining orders, POA documents etc. A employee here said that it's not allowed, but as long as I am not benefiting in any way, or benefiting the company, or of relation, I should be ok to accept acknowledgements, correct?
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A:
You can notarize documents for your place of employment as long as you follow state laws and ethical guidelines. The key factors to consider are whether you have a personal or financial interest in the documents and whether notarizing them could create a conflict of interest. If you are not named in the documents, not benefiting in any way, and not being pressured by your employer, you may be able to proceed.
However, some states have restrictions on notarizing certain types of documents, such as wills or medical directives, so it's important to check your state's notary laws. Your employer may also have internal policies that limit what you can notarize while on the job. Even if it's legally allowed, your workplace might prohibit you from notarizing documents related to company business to avoid any potential liability.
To stay on the safe side, keep detailed records of any notarizations and ensure that all signers appear in person and provide proper identification. If you ever feel unsure about a document, it’s best to refer the signer to another notary who is not connected to your workplace. This helps maintain impartiality and protects both you and the integrity of the notarization process.
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