Notary

What is a Notary?

A notary is a person licensed by the state to perform legal acts, particularly witnessing signatures on documents. Their seal and signature on a document attest that the person who signed did so voluntarily and is who they claim to be.

According to the National Notary Association (NNA), a notary public is defined as “an official of integrity appointed by the state government to serve the public as an impartial witness in performing a variety of official fraud-deterrent acts related to the signing of important documents.” As such, notaries are appointed by state governments and are authorized to administer oaths, affirmations, and acknowledgments. Their role is to prevent fraud by verifying the identity of signatories and ensuring that documents are executed voluntarily and with informed consent.

Documents that may require notarization include contracts, real estate transactions, and financial documentation. Notaries contribute to the security and efficiency of document handling and authentication, benefiting individuals, businesses, and government entities alike.