🖋️ What Is a Notary Public — and What Can (and Can’t) They Do?

When you see the words “Notary Public” on a sign or business card, you might wonder — what exactly does that mean? Maybe you’ve been told you need a document “notarized,” but you’re not quite sure what that involves.

Let’s break it down simply: a Notary Public plays a small but essential role in protecting the public against fraud, ensuring trust in legal transactions, and verifying identity for important documents.

🔍 What Is a Notary Public?

A Notary Public is a commissioned officer of the state authorized to witness and certify the signing of important documents. Their primary duty is to verify the identity of the signers, confirm their willingness to sign, and ensure they understand what they are signing.

Think of a notary as an impartial party that doesn’t take sides or offer legal advice. Instead, they act as a neutral witness to make sure signatures and agreements are legitimate and trustworthy.

📜 Common Documents That Require a Notary

Notaries are often called upon for documents that carry legal or financial weight. Some common examples include:

• Real estate documents (deeds, mortgages, property transfers)

• Wills, trusts, and power of attorney forms

• Business contracts and loan agreements

• Adoption papers

• Affidavits and sworn statements

• Vehicle title transfers

  
  

Essentially, if a document could impact your rights, property, or finances — it may need notarization.

✅ What a Notary Public Can Do

A notary’s authority depends on the state they’re commissioned in, but in general, they can:

• Verify identity: Confirm that signers are who they say they are, often by checking a government-issued ID.

• Witness signatures: Observe and certify that the document was signed in their presence.

• Administer oaths and affirmations: Swear in individuals for affidavits or sworn statements.

• Certify copies of certain documents: In some states, notaries can certify copies of originals (like a diploma or passport).

• Perform remote online notarizations (RON): In many states, notaries can now notarize documents virtually using secure video platforms — a game changer for convenience and accessibility.

  
  

🚫 What a Notary Public Can’t Do

Even though notaries play a vital role in legal documentation, their powers have limits. A notary is not an attorney, and cannot:

• Offer legal advice or explain the contents of a document.

• Prepare legal documents (unless they’re also a licensed attorney).

• Decide if a document is valid or enforceable.

• Notarize their own signature or documents in which they have a personal interest.

• Proceed if a signer is unwilling or doesn’t understand what they’re signing.

If a notary suspects fraud, coercion, or confusion, they are ethically required to refuse to notarize the document.

🏛️ Why Notarization Matters

Notarization is a critical safeguard in a world where identity theft and document fraud are increasingly common. It provides:

• Verification: Ensures the signer is who they claim to be.

• Accountability: The notary keeps a record (journal) of the transaction.

• Trust: Adds an official seal of authenticity to important agreements.

  
  

In many cases, a notarized document carries more legal weight and credibility — making it less likely to be challenged in court.

💡 The Bottom Line

A Notary Public is a trusted professional who helps ensure honesty, integrity, and security in important transactions. They don’t provide legal advice or take sides — their role is to protect you and the public from fraud and misrepresentation.

So the next time you need something notarized, you’ll know exactly what to expect — and why it’s such an important step.