Indiana Notary Public Practice Exam 2026 - Free Notary Public Practice Questions and Study Guide

A notary public has the authority to refuse to perform a notarial act if they have reasonable grounds to believe that it is inappropriate. This situation can arise from various factors, such as suspicions regarding the identity of the signer, concerns about the signer’s capability to understand the document, or if the transaction appears to involve fraud or coercion. The notary's primary responsibility is to ensure that the act is performed according to the law and ethical standards, and if they have any doubts about the legitimacy of the act, they are justified in refusing to proceed.

The other circumstances mentioned, such as being busy with another appointment or requiring payment in advance, do not provide valid justifications for refusing a notarial act. Notaries should manage their schedules to properly fulfill their duties, and while fees may be relevant, they should not determine the legality or appropriateness of the act itself. Lastly, while certain laws may specify prohibitions, a notary can refuse based on their own judgment in the interest of integrity and legality, which is not confined solely to statutory prohibitions.