What is A Notary Public?

A Notary is an official approved by the government to witness the signing of documents, administer oaths, and a number of other duties. A notary is usually hired in cases where a document is important and fraud is an issue. Notaries, however, do not provide legal advice. The court defines a notary public as a “public ministerial officer”, an agent for the state, and a witness of notarial writing and signatures. A Notary Public is an honest, moral and responsible member of our society. They are appointed by the office of the Secretary of State to witness by an official seal and written acknowledgement, or jurat, the signing of documents as well as administer oath.

What the book says about Notary Public ?
A Notary Public is a public servant appointed by state government to witness the signing of important documents, acknowledgments, administering oaths and affirmations, and performing other acts authorized by law.

What the book means ?
An impartial witness (the Notary) identifies signers to screen out impostors and to make sure they have entered into agreements knowingly and willingly. In other words, the purpose of a notary is to identify the person signing a document to screen out identity fraud, and to prevent forgery of signatures.

WARNING
A Notary Public is NOT an attorney and, therefore, cannot give legal advice about immigration or any other legal matters.