Key Takeaways
- A notary CANNOT notarize their own signature (self-notarization is prohibited)
- Notarizing documents in which you have a financial interest is prohibited
- Notarizing for close family members should be avoided due to conflict of interest
- You must disqualify yourself when you are a signatory to the document
- These restrictions protect the integrity of the notarial process
Disqualifying Circumstances
Self-Notarization Prohibited
Under CGS Section 3-94g, a notary public is disqualified from performing a notarial act if the notary is a signatory of the document that is to be notarized.
In simple terms: You cannot notarize your own signature.
| Situation | Allowed? |
|---|---|
| Notarizing your own signature | NO |
| Notarizing a document you signed | NO |
| Being a party to the document | NO |
Legal Principle: "It is impossible for a notary to be a witness to his own act. It is strictly prohibited by Connecticut law."
Financial Interest
Connecticut notaries are expected to disqualify themselves when they have a beneficial interest in the transaction:
| Scenario | Action Required |
|---|---|
| You benefit financially from the document | Disqualify yourself |
| You are a party to the transaction | Disqualify yourself |
| Document affects your property | Disqualify yourself |
Family Members
The Connecticut Notary Manual advises that prudent notaries will not notarize for relatives. While not always explicitly prohibited, notarizing for family members creates potential conflicts:
| Family Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Spouse | Avoid - strong conflict potential |
| Parents/children | Avoid - close relationship |
| Siblings | Avoid - close relationship |
| In-laws | Use caution - potential conflict |
| Extended family | Use caution - evaluate each case |
Why These Rules Matter
| Protection | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Public trust | Ensures impartiality of notarial acts |
| Legal validity | Documents notarized properly are more defensible |
| Notary protection | Avoids accusations of bias or fraud |
| Transaction integrity | All parties treated fairly |
When in Doubt
If you are unsure whether you should notarize a particular document:
- Ask yourself: Do I have any personal interest in this transaction?
- Consider: Could a reasonable person see a conflict of interest?
- When uncertain: Decline and refer the signer to another notary
- Remember: It is better to refuse than to risk your commission
Can a Connecticut notary notarize a document that they have signed as a party?
Should a Connecticut notary notarize documents for their spouse?