PROHIBITED ACTS
Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code 147.141, a notary public must not do any of the following, but please reference the law for a complete list:
- Notarize their own signature.
- Perform a notarial act if a conflict of interest occurs. A conflict of interest means a direct financial or other interest in the transaction.
- Certify that a document is an original document or true copy of another record (Note: An individual can make a written statement that the document is an original or a true copy and sign that statement. That signature can be notarized).
- Affix the notary’s signature to a blank or incomplete form.
- Alter the document or notarial certificate after signing (although the law does require a notary to provide a correct certificate in some circumstances).
- Take an acknowledgment in lieu of an oath or affirmation when an oath or affirmation is required.
- Notarize a signature on a document if it appears that the person is mentally incapable of understanding the nature and effect of the document at the time of notarization.
- Charge or receive an excessive fee for performing a notarial act.