ND Notary Ethics and Legal Boundaries

Question 1

Can a North Dakota notary provide legal advice to a document signer?

Accepted Answer

No, notaries are prohibited from providing legal advice unless they are also licensed attorneys

Answer

Yes, notaries can advise on basic legal matters

Answer

Only for simple documents

Answer

Only if the signer requests advice

Question 2

Can a North Dakota notary notarize a document for a family member?

Accepted Answer

It is strongly discouraged and may be prohibited if the notary has a financial interest in the transaction

Answer

Yes, without any restrictions

Answer

Only for parents and siblings

Answer

Only with written permission from the Secretary of State

Question 3

What constitutes unauthorized practice of law by a notary in North Dakota?

Accepted Answer

Drafting legal documents, advising on legal rights, or selecting documents for a client

Answer

Administering oaths

Answer

Witnessing signatures

Answer

Certifying copies of documents

Question 4

What should a North Dakota notary do if they discover an error in a completed notarial certificate?

Accepted Answer

Draw a line through the error, make the correction, and initial and date the change

Answer

Use correction fluid to cover the error

Answer

Rewrite the entire document

Answer

Ignore minor errors

Question 5

Is a North Dakota notary required to have errors and omissions insurance?

Accepted Answer

It is recommended but not always required by law for traditional notaries, though it may be required for remote notarization

Answer

Yes, it is always required

Answer

No, insurance is never needed

Answer

Only government-employed notaries need insurance

Question 6

Can a North Dakota notary refuse to perform a notarial act?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if they have reasonable grounds such as inability to verify identity, suspicion of fraud, or personal interest in the transaction

Answer

No, notaries must notarize all documents presented

Answer

Only if the document is in a foreign language

Answer

Only with written justification filed with the state