Can a notary provide legal advice?

• A. Yes, anytime
• B. No, unless they are a licensed attorney
• C. Yes, only for family
• D. Yes if they notarize their own documents

Answer: (B)

Notaries public aren’t permitted to give legal advice. Their role is to verify identity, witness signatures, administer oaths, and perform other notarial acts. Providing legal advice means interpreting the law or advising someone on their legal rights and obligations, which is the practice of law and requires a licensed attorney. A notary can explain what a notarial act involves and what a signer needs to do to complete the form, but they should not offer opinions on legal consequences or tailor legal guidance to a person’s situation. If the notary is also a licensed attorney, they may provide legal advice within their professional scope as an attorney.