What is a Notary? (10 min) Public servant, Impartial witness,third party to the document, to minimize fraud. May not be "Principal" or party to the transaction. Not part of the document. Cannot notarize if your name is in the document. you are signing the document. You have a direct beneficial or financial interest. You may notarize documents for your employer. Indirect beneficial interest can notarize. Unless that document would give you a raise. for a family member- you can notarize for family. Actually for anyone in the family. Cannot notarize for yourself. However- use caution-Community property law- spouse or partner and share interests.