Back to guides

Can a notary refuse a document?

Yes. An Ohio notary must refuse a notarization if the signer cannot be identified, is not physically present, does not appear to understand the document, seems to be signing under duress, or if the document appears fraudulent or incomplete. A notary may also refuse if they have a financial interest in the transaction.

Frequently asked questions

Can a notary refuse to notarize a document they personally disagree with?

A notary generally cannot refuse based on the content of the document if all notarial requirements are met. However, a notary may decline for lawful reasons including a personal conflict of interest.

What should I do if a notary refuses my document?

Ask the notary for a specific reason. If the issue is document completeness or missing ID, address it first. If the refusal seems improper, contact the Ohio Secretary of State's Notary Division.

Can a notary refuse a document written in a foreign language?

A notary can notarize a document in a foreign language as long as they can communicate with the signer. The notary does not need to read or translate the document.

Related services

• General notarization service
• Legal document notarization