Pennsylvania Notary Public Practice Exam

Withholding access to or possession of original records is an example of what?

1. Permissible conduct

2. Prohibited act

3. Best practice

4. Regulatory requirement

The correct answer is: Prohibited act

Withholding access to or possession of original records is considered a prohibited act because it undermines the fundamental principles of transparency and access related to notarial duties. A notary public has a responsibility to maintain the integrity of their records and ensure that interested parties can have access to necessary documents. This is essential for upholding trust in the notarial process and for providing accurate and reliable services. Permitting access to original records is vital for parties who may need to verify or rely on the information contained within these documents. Notaries are expected to adhere to ethical standards that promote accountability, and any action that restricts access to records can be viewed as a violation of these standards. This emphasizes the importance of safeguarding the rights of individuals to access documentation pertinent to them and ensures that notaries act in accordance with their legal obligations. By maintaining open access to original records, notaries contribute to a fair and just system.