Which statement reflects ethical advertising for notaries?

• A. Notaries should advertise truthfully.
• B. Notaries may advertise dishonestly if it brings in clients.
• C. Notaries may advertise truthfully but with misleading claims.
• D. Notaries are prohibited from advertising in all forms.

Answer: (C)

The main concept is ethical advertising: notaries must be truthful and not misleading in any advertising. Advertising that claims guarantees, guarantees outcomes, or implies government endorsement is misleading and not allowed. A notary should clearly state the services offered and avoid exaggerating qualifications or abilities beyond what their license permits. They may advertise, but the information presented must be accurate and not deceptive.

The best choice reflects this standard by stating that notaries should advertise truthfully. This aligns with protecting the public from misinformation and upholding professional integrity.

Choosing anything that endorses dishonesty, promises to guarantee results, or misleads about official status would violate ethical guidelines. And notaries are not categorically prohibited from advertising; they simply must avoid deception. For example, avoid claims like being “the fastest” or guarantees about closings, which would be misleading.