Notary
A notary is a qualified professional appointed by their state government and empowered to witness the signing of important documents, administer oaths and affirmations, and certify copies of documents. The primary purpose of the notary is to protect the public from fraud and forgery, ensuring that the people signing the documents are who they claim to be and that they have signed the document voluntarily.
A Notary will normally review the document, authenticate the signature, take a sworn statement and then stamp their signature, seal and date. It is important to remember that a notary is not a lawyer and cannot provide legal advice or services.
Notaries provide an invaluable service and are a trusted resource for both individuals and businesses.
Notaries are appointed by state governments to serve the public as impartial witnesses in performing a series of official fraud-deterrent acts related to the signing of important documents.
To acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to perform notarial acts, individuals must complete a comprehensive notary training program. These programs generally cover topics such as the fundamentals of notarial law, best practices and the proper procedures to follow when notarizing documents. In addition, some states may require individuals to pass a state-administered exam to become a notary. Once the training and exam have been passed, the interested person must apply for a notary license.