Written by Crystal Knight

A notary public is a person who a state government has authorized to perform specific duties related to the signing of legal documents. To become a notary, individuals must meet certain requirements, such as passing a background check, completing training, and in many cases, passing an exam. Once commissioned, a notary can perform several tasks that involve witnessing signatures and administering oaths.

 Key Responsibilities of a Notary Public

Notaries perform a variety of duties that ensure the legality and authenticity of documents. Some of their main responsibilities include:

- Verifying Identity: A notary must confirm that the person signing a document is who they claim to be by checking government-issued identification such as a driver’s license or passport.

- Witnessing Signatures: Notaries observe as signers place their signature on the document, ensuring that they are doing so voluntarily and without pressure.

- Administering Oaths and Affirmations: If required, notaries can ask individuals to swear an oath or make a formal promise that the information in the document is true.

- Preventing Fraud: By verifying the identity of signers and ensuring their willingness to sign, notaries help prevent fraudulent activities.

- Record-Keeping: Many notaries maintain a journal or log of their notarization's, which can be used as a legal record of the signing.

The role of a notary is very important.