What Does a Notary Do? A Simple Guide

A notary, also known as a notary public, is a person who is authorized by the government to perform certain important tasks, mainly related to legal documents. Their primary role is to act as a neutral witness when important papers are signed. A notary helps prevent fraud and ensures that everyone involved in the signing of a document is who they say they are, and that they are doing so willingly and with a clear understanding of what the document is about.

Let’s take a closer look at what a notary does and why their role is important.

1. Verifying Identities

One of the key jobs of a notary is to verify the identities of the people signing a document. This helps prevent fraud by making sure that no one is pretending to be someone else. The notary will ask to see a government-issued ID, like a driver’s license or passport, to confirm the signer’s identity.

For example, if you are signing a contract or a legal agreement, the notary will check your ID to ensure you are the right person. This is crucial because it adds a layer of security to the transaction.

2. Witnessing Signatures

Another important responsibility of a notary is to watch the signing of important documents. The notary is present when people sign, making sure they are doing so willingly and not under pressure. By witnessing the signature, the notary ensures that the document is legally binding.

For example, when buying or selling a house, the notary will witness the signatures on the mortgage papers to make sure everything is done properly.

3. Administering Oaths and Affirmations

Notaries can also administer oaths and affirmations, which are promises to tell the truth. This is especially important in situations where people need to swear that the information they are providing is accurate.

For example, when someone is giving a sworn statement or affidavit, the notary may ask them to raise their right hand and swear or affirm that the information they are giving is truthful. This process helps ensure honesty in legal matters.

4. Certifying Copies

Sometimes, a notary is asked to certify copies of important documents. This means that they check the original document and the copy to confirm that the copy is a true and accurate representation of the original. They will then sign and stamp the copy, showing that it is official.

For example, if you need to provide a copy of your birth certificate or diploma to a company or government office, a notary can certify that the copy is legitimate.

5. Handling Acknowledgments

An acknowledgment is another type of notarial act. In this case, the person signing the document appears before the notary and declares that they signed the document willingly and with full understanding of what it contains. The notary will then add a stamp and signature, confirming that the acknowledgment was made.

This is commonly required for documents like deeds, trusts, and other legal agreements. By making sure that the signer understands what they are signing, the notary ensures that the document is valid and enforceable.

6. Affidavits and Jurats

An affidavit is a written statement that someone swears to be true, and a jurat is the part of the affidavit where the notary certifies that the person signing it has taken an oath to tell the truth. The notary must be present when the affidavit is signed, and they will administer the oath to the signer.

For example, if you need to make a sworn statement in a legal case, you might be asked to sign an affidavit, and the notary will ensure that it is done correctly.

Why Are Notaries Important?

Notaries play a vital role in making sure that legal and official documents are handled properly. They help prevent fraud by verifying identities, confirming that signers are acting willingly, and ensuring that documents are signed correctly. By doing this, notaries help protect everyone involved in legal transactions.

Notaries are often used in real estate transactions, wills, powers of attorney, affidavits, contracts, and more. Their job helps create trust in the legal system by ensuring that important documents are handled with care and accuracy.

How to Find a Notary

If you ever need a notary, you can usually find them at places like banks, law offices, or even your local post office. Many notaries also offer mobile services, meaning they can come to you if you need documents notarized at home or another location.

Some states also allow online notarization, where the notary witnesses and certifies documents through a video call. This is a newer option that can make the process more convenient.

Conclusion

In summary, a notary helps protect the integrity of legal and official documents by verifying identities, witnessing signatures, and ensuring that everything is done correctly. Whether you are buying a house, signing a legal agreement, or providing a sworn statement, a notary helps ensure that the process is secure and trustworthy.

Having a notary involved in important transactions gives everyone confidence that the documents are valid and that the people signing them are who they claim to be. This makes notaries an essential part of many legal processes, helping keep everything fair and official.