A Notary Public is a trusted official appointed by the state government—usually by the Secretary of State—to serve as an impartial witness in the execution of critical, fraud-deterrent acts related to the signing of important documents. These acts, known as notarizations or notarial acts, ensure the authenticity and integrity of the signing process.

Notaries are publicly commissioned as "ministerial" officials, meaning they are bound to adhere strictly to established rules without exercising significant personal discretion, unlike "judicial" officials who interpret and apply the law.

What Does A Notary Do?

A Notary's primary responsibility is to verify the identity of document signers, confirm their willingness to sign without coercion or intimidation, and ensure they understand the contents of the document or transaction. In certain cases, a Notary may also administer an oath, requiring the signer to declare under penalty of perjury that the information in the document is true and accurate.

Common examples of documents requiring notarization include property deeds, wills, and powers of attorney.As official representatives of the state, Notaries Public play a critical role in certifying the proper execution of significant, life-impacting documents. These may include transactions such as transferring real estate, granting powers of attorney, establishing prenuptial agreements, or facilitating other essential processes that support the smooth operation of our civil society.