New York State Notary Practice Exam 2026 – All-in-One Guide to Master Your Certification!

A notary public is prohibited from notarizing their own signature because doing so creates a conflict of interest. The role of a notary is to serve as an impartial witness to the signing of documents, ensuring that the signing parties are who they claim to be and that they are signing willingly. When a notary attempts to notarize their own signature, they cannot fulfill this impartial role, as their personal interest in the document could influence their judgment. This prohibition helps maintain the integrity of the notarization process and ensures public trust in notarial acts. Additionally, many states, including New York, have clear regulations that outline the boundaries of a notary's duties, emphasizing the need for neutrality and objectivity in all notarizations. Thus, a notary must seek another qualified notary to witness their signature on any document.