What Does a Notary Public Do?
A notary public is a government-appointed official who serves as an impartial witness in the signing of legal documents. The primary function of a notary public is to verify the identity of the signers and ensure that they are signing the document willingly and under no duress. This article will provide an overview of what a notary public does, the types of documents they notarize, and where to find one.
What is a Notary Public?
A notary public is a public official appointed by the state government to serve as an impartial witness in the signing of legal documents. Their main responsibility is to verify the identity of the signers and ensure that they are signing the document willingly and without any coercion or undue influence.
Notaries are typically appointed by the state government and have the power to administer oaths and affirmations, take acknowledgments, and certify copies of documents. They play an important role in preventing fraud and ensuring the authenticity of legal documents.
What Does a Notary Public Do?
The primary role of a notary public is to act as an impartial witness in the signing of legal documents. They verify the identity of the signers and ensure that they are signing the document voluntarily and without any coercion or undue influence.
Notaries are responsible for administering oaths and affirmations, taking acknowledgments, and certifying copies of documents. They also have the authority to perform other functions, such as witnessing the opening of a safe deposit box or certifying the contents of a safety deposit box.
Types of Documents Notarized
Notaries are authorized to notarize a wide range of documents, including:
- Deeds and mortgages
- Powers of attorney
- Affidavits and sworn statements
- Wills and trusts
- Adoption papers
- Marriage licenses
- Immigration documents
- Business documents, such as articles of incorporation and partnership agreements
Where to Find a Notary Public
Notaries can be found in many places, including:
- Banks and financial institutions
- Law offices and government offices
- Shipping and packaging stores
- Mobile notaries who travel to your location
It is important to note that not all notaries are created equal. Some notaries may have additional training and certifications that allow them to perform more specialized services, such as real estate transactions or international documents.
When looking for a notary public, it is important to verify their credentials and ensure that they are authorized to notarize the type of document you need. You can check the status of a notary’s commission by contacting the state’s Secretary of State office or visiting their website.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a notary public is an important government-appointed official who serves as an impartial witness in the signing of legal documents. They verify the identity of the signers and ensure that they are signing the document voluntarily and without any coercion or undue influence. Notaries can be found in many places, including banks, law offices, and government offices, and it is important to verify their credentials and ensure that they are authorized to notarize the type of document you need.
