What is a main prohibition for notarial officers in performing notarial acts?

A primary prohibition for notarial officers is that they cannot perform notarial acts where they have a direct beneficial interest in the transaction. This safeguard is in place to maintain the integrity of the notarial process and to ensure that the notary remains impartial. When a notary has a personal stake in the transaction, it compromises their ability to act as an unbiased witness. This is crucial because the primary role of the notary is to verify the identity of the signers and ensure that they are acting willingly and without any duress, which can be compromised if the notary stands to gain from the outcome of the act.

While options concerning not charging fees, notarizing without the client present, and performing acts for friends or family touch upon important aspects of ethical conduct, they do not hold the same weight in terms of conflict of interest and maintaining impartiality as the prohibition against having a direct beneficial interest. Notaries are allowed to charge fees for their services in accordance with state regulations, and they may notarize documents in the presence of the signer. Likewise, notarizing documents for friends or family is permissible provided that the notary does not have a financial interest in the outcome. Thus, understanding the implications of having a direct beneficial interest is fundamental for