Can a notary public in Indiana notarize a document related to their own business?

A notary public in Indiana is prohibited from notarizing documents related to their own business because it creates a conflict of interest. The primary role of a notary is to act as an impartial witness to the signing of documents, ensuring that the signers are who they claim to be and that they are signing voluntarily. When a notary is involved in the transaction or has a personal stake in the outcome of the document, their ability to remain impartial is compromised, which can undermine the integrity of the notarization process.

This prohibition helps maintain public trust in notarial acts and ensures that the notary's duties are carried out with the highest ethical standards. By avoiding conflicts of interest, the notary protects both themselves and the signers from potential legal repercussions that could arise from biased notarizations.

While the other options suggest varying degrees of allowance for notarizing one's own business documents, they do not align with the ethical and legal guidelines set forth for notaries. Maintaining the integrity of notarial acts is essential for upholding the functionality and trustworthiness of the notary public system.