Can a notary notarize for a family member?

Short answer

It depends on your state. Some states prohibit notarizing for a spouse, parent, or child; most prohibit notarizing any document in which the notary has a financial or beneficial interest.

Full explanation

Two separate questions are involved. First, does your state have an express relationship prohibition? Several do. Second, do you have a disqualifying interest — will you gain something from the transaction, or are you a party to it? Even where relationship notarizations are technically permitted, notarizing for close family invites a challenge to the document later, which is why many notaries decline as a matter of practice.

Example

A notary asked to notarize her mother's power of attorney in a state that prohibits notarizing for a parent must decline and refer the family to another notary.

Common mistake to avoid

"Nobody will know" is not a standard. A challenged document can be invalidated years later, and the notary is the one who answers for it.

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