Most business professionals and public officers have codes of conduct that they must adhere to. This is no different for notaries.
Here are three fundamental principles of ethical Notary Conduct:
1. Observe Client Confidentiality.
By observing client confidentiality, a Notary will never divulge the contents of any document nor the facts of any transaction. They will not use the information for their own benefit or as a source of gossip.
2. Avoid discrimination among customers.
Ethical notaries treat each individual fairly and equally, with kindness and respect. The United States Constitution strictly prohibits discrimination of any kind. It goes without saying that you may not discriminate in performing notarizations for your customers
3. Advertise your notary services properly.
Advertising is an active way to increase your business. Be aware, however, that many states have specific restrictions on advertising Notary services. You must never translate the words, “Notary Public,” from English into any other language. The term, “Notario Publico,” may be very misleading to persons from foreign countries where “notarios” have considerably more powers than U.S. Notaries Public. Additionally, if you are not an attorney and you advertise in another language, you should specify that you are not an attorney, cannot give legal advice nor can you charge fees for legal services. Producing misleading advertisements or violating these restrictions could lead to sanctions such as the loss of your notary commission.
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