WHAT IS A NOTARY?

 A Notary, also known as a Notary Public, is a public officer appointed by state government — typically by the Secretary of State — who acts as an impartial witness in the signing of important documents, such as witnessing the signing of documents, administering oaths, and certifying the authenticity of signatures on documents. The primary role of a Notary is to act as an impartial witness to prevent fraud and ensure the legality and integrity of important transactions.

The specific duties and responsibilities of a notary can vary depending on the jurisdiction, but some common functions include:

• Verifying Identities: A Notary verifies the identities of the individuals signing the document by examining their identification documents to ensure that the parties involved are who they claim to be.
• Administering Oaths and Affirmations: Some notarizations also require the Notary to put the signer under an oath, declaring under penalty of perjury that the information contained in a document is true and correct..
• Witnessing Document Signings: One of the key functions of a Notary is to witness the signing of important legal documents and observe the signer's willingness to sign without duress or intimidation, and their awareness of the contents of the document or transaction.
• Certifying Document Copies: In some jurisdictions, a Notary may be authorized to make certified copies of original documents. This certification confirms that the copy is a true and accurate reproduction of the original.
• Notarial Certificates: A Notary often attaches a notarial certificate to the document they have witnessed or certified. This certificate includes specific information, such as the notary's name, commission number, signature, and seal, along with a statement indicating that the notarial act has been properly performed.

The presence and certification of a notary can add credibility and validity to documents, as their actions are recognized as impartial and objective by the legal system.

Some of the diverse transactions that are commonly notarized are: the conveyance of real estate, granting powers of attorney, establishing prenuptial agreements, chartering wills, the handling of estate documents, and performing international business transactions.