What should a notary do if they suspect coercion or duress?

• A. Proceed to notarize and document concerns later.
• B. Request the signer to reappear later.
• C. Notify authorities immediately.
• D. Refuse to notarize and document the concerns.

Answer: (D)

Coercion or duress removes the signer’s voluntary consent, which is essential for a valid notarization. A notary’s role is to confirm identity and that the signer understands the document and signs of their own free will. When there are signs of pressure, threats, or coercive influence, proceeding would certify a signature made under improper circumstances and could expose the notary to liability for facilitating wrongdoing. Therefore, the proper action is to refuse to notarize and document the concerns in the notary journal, noting observations, the document involved, and the reasons for refusal. If possible, advise the signer to seek independent legal advice or return when they can sign without pressure. Notifying authorities immediately isn’t the default step in every case; the primary obligation is to protect the signer and preserve the integrity of the notarization by refusing and documenting.