One of the most important qualities of a notary public is impartiality.
A notary’s job isn’t to take sides, offer legal advice, or decide who’s “right.”
Instead, our responsibility is to ensure that every notarization is performed fairly, lawfully, and without personal interest.
Impartiality protects not only the signer but also the integrity of the entire notarization process. Let’s explore what that means and why it matters so much.
What Does Impartiality Mean for Notaries?
A notary public serves as an official, neutral witness appointed by the state.
When performing a notarization, the notary must treat all parties equally—no matter their relationship, background, or position in the transaction.
Being impartial means:
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No favoritism or bias toward any party
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No personal or financial interest in the transaction
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No influence or pressure on the signer’s decisions
A notary’s seal represents trust. It certifies that the document was signed voluntarily and properly—not that the notary approves of its content.
Why Notaries Must Remain Neutral
Impartiality ensures that the notary’s act carries legal credibility.
If a notary were to show bias, it could:
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Invalidate the notarization
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Jeopardize a legal case or contract
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Expose the notary to penalties, suspension, or loss of commission
In other words, a notary’s neutrality safeguards the public’s confidence in every notarized document.
Examples of Conflicts of Interest
To stay impartial, notaries must avoid notarizing documents where they have a personal stake or relationship that could compromise fairness.
A notary should NOT notarize if:
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The document benefits them personally (financially or legally)
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They are a named party in the document
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The signer is an immediate family member (spouse, child, parent, or sibling)*
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They have any emotional or business connection that could affect objectivity
⚠️ Some states allow limited exceptions for family members, but it’s always best practice to refer the signer to another notary to prevent any perception of bias.
Neutral Does Not Mean Uncaring
Impartiality isn’t the same as indifference.
A professional notary can—and should—show empathy, patience, and respect.
Remaining neutral simply means:
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You verify identity, willingness, and awareness.
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You don’t judge the signer’s choices or motives.
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You do your job with professionalism and honesty, regardless of the situation.
At Looking Glass Notary, we balance compassion with compliance—helping clients through sensitive situations while maintaining full legal integrity.
Real-World Example
Imagine a notary is asked to notarize a power of attorney for a close friend who names the notary as agent.
Even though the friend trusts them, the notary must decline—their personal benefit in the document makes impartiality impossible.
Instead, referring the client to another qualified notary protects both parties and preserves the notary’s professional reputation.
Why Impartiality Builds Public Trust
Every notarization depends on credibility.
When the public believes that notaries act fairly and without influence, notarized documents hold stronger value in courts, banks, and government offices.
This trust is the foundation of the notarial system—and it’s why impartiality isn’t just good ethics; it’s the law.
Final Thoughts
The duty of impartiality is what separates a notary public from an ordinary witness.
By staying neutral, we uphold the honor of our commission, protect the people we serve, and ensure every signature stands on the solid ground of truth and fairness.
At Looking Glass Notary, our commitment to impartiality is unwavering. Every client receives the same professional care—no exceptions, no bias, no shortcuts.
