What is a Notary Public and What Key Responsibilities do Notary Publics Perform?

A notary public, often referred to simply as a notary, is a person who is authorized by the government to act as an impartial witness in various legal and financial transactions. The primary role of a notary public is to verify the authenticity of signatures on important documents and to administer oaths or affirmations.

Here are some key responsibilities and functions of a notary public:

1. Verifying Signatures: Notaries verify the identities of individuals signing documents to ensure that they are who they claim to be. This helps prevent fraud and identity theft.
2. Administering Oaths and Affirmations: Notaries can administer oaths or affirmations when individuals need to make a sworn statement. This is often required in legal documents and affidavits.
3. Certifying Copies: Notaries can make certified copies of certain documents, such as passports, driver’s licenses, and academic transcripts. This certification indicates that the copy is a true and accurate reproduction of the original.
4. Witnessing Signatures: Notaries witness the signing of various documents, including contracts, deeds, wills, and powers of attorney. Their presence and official seal on the document provide an extra level of assurance regarding its authenticity.
5. Acknowledging Documents: Notaries can acknowledge the signing of documents, which involves verifying that the signer is acting of their own free will and understanding the content of the document.
6. Maintaining a Notary Journal: Many notaries are required to keep a record (journal) of their notarial acts, including the names of signers, the type of document, and the date of notarization. This record helps track notarial transactions and serves as a protection against fraud.
7. Applying an Official Seal or Stamp: Notaries typically affix an official seal or stamp to the documents they notarize. This seal indicates that the document has been properly notarized.