What is a Notary?

A notary is a public official who is authorized to perform certain legal acts, such as witnessing signatures and administering oaths. Notaries are appointed by the state government and are subject to regulation by law. Notaries play an important role in preventing fraud and ensuring the authenticity of documents. When a notary witnesses a signature, they are certifying that the person signing the document is who they say they are and that they are signing the document voluntarily. Notaries also verify the identity of the person signing the document by checking their government-issued ID. Notaries are often used in real estate transactions, business transactions, and estate planning.