I think there's been lots of confusion (or miscommunication?) about whether or not CA notaries can refuse to notarize. The requirement has to do with not discriminating and refusing to notarize for someone because of how they look, or whatever other dumb reason someone may want to refuse. If there *are* legitimate grounds (like lack of ID, or lucidity or consent, or appropriate payment or a complete doc, etc.), of course we can refuse.
Also, I think it's fair to assume that all these circumstances assume that the notary is already physically in the presence of the individual requesting the notarization. I agree with Lisa that we can't be forced to travel under any circumstances. That's a whole other kettle of fish. |