What type of liability could notary publics face when notarizing documents for jail inmates?

Answer 1

A notary is supposed to simply attest to the fact that a person who is signing a document appeared in person to them and is who he says he is by checking an ID card if the person is not personally known to them. The notary does not vouch for the contents of the document being signed. A notary could be summoned to testify that he/she followed proper procedures in validating the signatory's identity.

So if a notary is notarizing an inmate's signature, the notary would have to go to the prison and witness the signature and validate the inmate's identity. If improper procedures are followed, the notary could be liable based on the state's regulations, including contempt of court.

Answer 2

There is no liability that I am aware of, if the document is signed in your presence. If not, do not notarize it.