What a Notary Cannot Do for You

Notaries cannot give legal advice, draft documents, or notarize for parties they can't identify. Knowing the limits saves everyone time.

A notary public is not a lawyer. Notaries cannot draft legal documents, explain the legal effect of a clause, recommend whether you should sign, or interpret what a document means for your situation. (One exception: Louisiana civil-law notaries, who have broader authority.)

Notaries cannot notarize a signature if the signer is not physically present (except via licensed RON platforms). They cannot notarize for an unidentified signer. They cannot certify copies of vital records like birth certificates — those must come from the issuing agency.

When a notary tells you they can't help, the answer is usually to consult an attorney or a paralegal document-preparation service — and then return to the notary with a properly drafted form.