What should a Notary ensure about their actions during notarial acts?

The primary responsibility of a notary public is to ensure that their actions during notarial acts adhere strictly to legal requirements. This means being knowledgeable about and compliant with the relevant laws governing notarial practices. Compliance helps to maintain the integrity of the notarial process and protects both the notary and the public from potential misconduct.

In practice, this compliance includes properly identifying signers, administering oaths when necessary, using the appropriate notarial certificate, and maintaining a notary journal as required by California law. This diligent adherence to legal standards not only upholds the notary's duty but also ensures that the documents they notarize are valid and legally binding.

Other aspects, such as publicizing one's work, minimizing time spent with clients, or ensuring complete client satisfaction, do not fundamentally relate to the core legal obligations of a notary. While these may be important in the broader context of customer service or personal branding, they do not capture the essential legal duties that a notary must fulfill. Thus, the focus on compliance with laws and avoidance of misconduct is paramount in the role of a notary public.