Why Notaries Cannot “Fix” Your Document 📃 And Why That’s Important 🖋️
Notaries do not alter any documents.
It’s common for clients to ask notaries to correct wording, add missing information, or advise them on document content.
However, notaries are not permitted to alter or interpret documents.
A notary’s role is limited to:
verifying identity
witnessing signatures
completing the notarial certificate
administering oaths (when required)
Altering document content could:
invalidate the document
create legal risk
cross into unauthorized practice of law
This boundary protects both the client and the notary.
Professional notaries maintain clear limits not because they are unwilling to help but because they are protecting the integrity of the process.
Notaries authenticate. They do not advise.
