A notary public is a public servant who is authorized by the government to perform certain legal acts. Notaries public are commonly found in the United States, where they play an important role in many legal transactions. The primary duty of a notary public is to verify the identities of each signer on a document. This is done to protect against fraudulent acts that may otherwise void the notarized document.
The notary public typically requests each signer to provide identification that verifies their identity. The identification may be in the form of a driver’s license, passport, or other government-issued identification card. If the client fails to provide an acceptable form of identification, the notary public is legally obligated to refuse the service.
In addition to verifying the identity of the signer, the notary public may also be required to verify that the signer is signing the document voluntarily and without coercion. This is typically done by asking the signer to swear or affirm under oath that they are signing the document voluntarily and without coercion.
Once the notary public has verified the identities of the signers and ensured that they are signing the document voluntarily and without coercion, the notary public will affix their signature, stamp, or seal to the document. This serves as evidence that the document has been notarized and that the signers have been properly identified.
Notaries public may be called upon to notarize a variety of legal documents, including wills, powers of attorney, and real estate transactions. They may also be asked to witness the signing of contracts, affidavits, or other legal documents.
It is important to note that notaries public are not attorneys and cannot provide legal advice. They are also prohibited from preparing legal documents or acting as a representative in legal matters. Instead, their role is to provide an impartial witness to the signing of legal documents and to ensure that the signers are properly identified.
In conclusion, the primary duty of a notary public is to verify the identities of each signer on a document. They play a crucial role in ensuring that legal documents are properly executed and that the signers are who they claim to be. If you need a document notarized, be sure to find a reputable notary public who will help ensure that your legal transaction is handled properly. Contact Us Today! Same day appointments are available.