Legal Definitions - Notary

A Notary Public is an individual authorized by a state government to serve the public as an impartial witness to the signing of important documents. Their primary role is to deter fraud by verifying the identity of the signers, ensuring they sign willingly, and sometimes administering oaths or affirmations. A notary's official seal and signature on a document confirm that these steps have been taken, adding a layer of authenticity and trustworthiness to the transaction.

Here are some examples of when a Notary Public's services are essential:

• Scenario: David is purchasing a new home and needs to sign numerous legal documents, including the deed and mortgage papers, at the closing. These documents transfer ownership and create a financial obligation.

  Explanation: To ensure the integrity of such a significant transaction, a Notary Public will be present at the closing. The notary will verify David's identity by checking his government-issued ID, confirm that he understands he is signing these important documents, and witness his signature on each one. The notary then affixes their official seal and signature to the documents, certifying that David's identity was confirmed and he signed them voluntarily, which is crucial for the documents to be legally binding and recordable.

• Scenario: Maria is applying for a scholarship that requires a sworn statement (an affidavit) from her parents confirming their financial support for her education.

  Explanation: Maria's parents must sign the affidavit in the presence of a Notary Public. The notary will first verify their identities. Then, the notary will administer an oath or affirmation, where Maria's parents solemnly declare that the information provided in their statement is true and accurate. After they sign, the notary will complete the notarization with their seal and signature, confirming that the oath was taken and the document was signed under the notary's supervision, making the statement legally credible for the scholarship committee.

• Scenario: John is applying for a job overseas and needs to provide a certified copy of his university transcript and professional certifications to the foreign employer.

  Explanation: John can take his original transcript and certifications, along with photocopies, to a Notary Public. The notary will carefully compare each photocopy against its original document to ensure they are identical. If they match, the notary can then certify the copies by signing and sealing them, often with a statement indicating that they are "true copies of the original documents." This notarization provides assurance to the foreign employer that the copies are authentic and have not been tampered with.