This one is a straightforward ‘NO’.
Notaries cannot notarize their own documents. Notarization is intended to prevent fraud by
adding an extra layer of security to a document. If a notary were to notarize their own document,
it would defeat the purpose of notarization. Notaries are prohibited from self-notarization by
state laws as to prevent conflicts of interest and maintain the integrity of the notarization
process. Notaries must be impartial and disinterested in a transaction. It's impossible to be
impartial when the notary has a financial interest in the document or is a party to the transaction.
Can a Notary notarize a document where they are a named party of the transaction?
Notaries cannot be a party to the transaction or have a financial interest in it.
Can I notarize for family members?
Even though some states permit notarization for family members, the practice is highly
discouraged due to the potential for a conflict of interest. However, within Tennessee, notaries
can notarize documents for family members such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and
state-issued identification cards.
