What Is a Notary Public?
A notary public is a state-appointed official authorized to serve as an impartial witness to the signing of important documents. Their primary job is to verify that the people signing a document are who they claim to be, that they are signing willingly, and that they understand what they are signing.
Notaries help prevent fraud. When a notary witnesses a signature, they are essentially certifying that the transaction was legitimate — that no one was forged, coerced, or impersonated.
What Does a Notary Public Do?
A notary's core duties include:
Identity Verification
Before witnessing any signature, a notary checks government-issued photo ID to confirm the signer's identity. This is the foundation of what makes notarization meaningful.
Witnessing Signatures
The notary watches the document being signed in real time. This confirms the signature is genuine and voluntary.
Administering Oaths and Affirmations
For affidavits and sworn statements, notaries administer oaths — a formal promise that the information being provided is true.
Applying Their Official Seal
After witnessing the signing, a notary applies their official stamp or seal and signs the document. This seal is what makes the document legally notarized.
Completing a Notarial Certificate
The notary fills out a certificate that describes exactly what act was performed — whether it was an acknowledgment, a jurat, or another notarial act.
How Does Someone Become a Notary Public?
Notaries are commissioned by state governments. The requirements vary by state but typically include:
- Being at least 18 years old
- Being a legal resident of the state
- Passing a background check
- Completing a notary education course (required in some states)
- Passing a state exam (required in some states)
- Paying a commissioning fee and filing a bond
Once commissioned, a notary must follow their state's specific rules. Notary commissions are typically valid for 4 years before renewal is required.
Types of Notary Services
Acknowledgment
The signer confirms to the notary that they signed the document willingly and understand its contents. Common for deeds, mortgages, and powers of attorney.
Jurat
The signer takes an oath and signs the document in the notary's presence. Common for affidavits and sworn statements.
Copy Certification
The notary certifies that a copy of a document is a true and accurate copy of the original.
Oath or Affirmation
The notary administers a formal oath — common for depositions, immigration documents, and court filings.
Mobile Notary vs. Online Notary
Traditional In-Person Notary
You meet the notary at their office, a bank, or a UPS Store. Reliable but requires scheduling and travel.
Mobile Notary
The notary comes to you — at your home, office, hospital, or anywhere convenient. Ideal for closings, estate planning, and anyone with mobility challenges.
Remote Online Notarization (RON)
You meet the notary via video call. The notary verifies your identity digitally and witnesses the signing electronically. Available in most states and increasingly accepted for all document types.
Why Notarization Matters
Notarized documents carry legal weight that unnotarized documents do not. Courts, government agencies, financial institutions, and foreign governments rely on notarization to establish that a document is authentic.
Without notarization, documents like powers of attorney, real estate deeds, and affidavits may be rejected or challenged. Notarization gives your documents credibility and legal enforceability.
How to Find a Notary Near You
Finding a qualified notary has never been easier. NotaryNearMe connects you with certified, background-checked notaries across all 50 states. Whether you need a mobile notary to come to your location or prefer online notarization from the comfort of your home, you can find and book a notary in minutes.