Notary Public

A notary public is a person authorized under state or territorial law to perform specified acts, such as verifying identity, witnessing signatures, or administering oaths. The scope of a notary’s authority and commissioning requirements vary by jurisdiction.

Example: A notary may verify a signer’s identity and witness the signing of a document when state law authorizes that act.

Common misconception: A notary guarantees that a document’s statements are true or that it is legally valid. A notary’s role is limited to authorized notarial acts and does not replace legal advice or a court’s decision.

Sources: https://www.nationalnotary.org/knowledge-center/about-notaries; https://www.usa.gov/notary