Protests

Protests

A protest is a written statement by a notary public verifying that payment was not received on a negotiable instrument such as a bill of exchange, bank draft, or promissory note.

Before issuing a certificate of protest, the notary public must present the negotiable instrument to the person, firm, or institution obligated to pay, a procedure called presentment. Failure to pay is called dishonor.

Most modern notaries will not encounter a protest of dishonor, unless they work in international commerce.

Notarial acts of protest are complicated and varied, requiring a specific knowledge of financial and legal terminology. Only notaries who have the requisite knowledge, or who are acting under the supervision of an experienced bank officer or an attorney familiar with the UCC should attempt a protest.