What Is a Notary Public and What Do They Do?

If you've ever needed a document "notarized" — a power of attorney, an affidavit, a real estate document — you've probably wondered exactly what that means and who's allowed to do it. The short answer: a notary public is a person commissioned by their state to serve as an impartial witness for certain kinds of paperwork. Here's what that role actually covers.

What Is a Notary Public?

A notary public is an official commissioned by a state government to perform notarial acts — primarily witnessing signatures and administering oaths. The position dates back centuries, but its modern purpose is simple: help prevent fraud by confirming that the person signing a document is who they say they are, and that they're signing knowingly and willingly.

Notaries are not employees of the state; most work independently, for a bank, law firm, shipping store, title company, or as a mobile/traveling notary. Some hold additional credentials, like Certified Signing Agent, that qualify them for specialized work such as loan document packages.

What Does a Notary Public Actually Do?

In a typical notarization, a notary will:

• Verify the signer's identity, usually with a government-issued photo ID
• Confirm the signer understands what they're signing and isn't being pressured
• Watch the signer sign the document (or acknowledge a signature already made)
• Complete a notarial certificate — stamping or embossing their official seal, and signing their own name — that gets attached to or printed on the document
• Log the notarization in their journal, where required by the state

A notary does not verify that the contents of a document are true, fair, or legally sound — that's the job of an attorney. A notary's role is limited to confirming the identity and willingness of the signer.

Types of Notarial Acts

"Notarization" actually covers a few distinct acts, and the document usually specifies which one is needed:

• Acknowledgments — the signer confirms they already signed the document and did so voluntarily. Common for deeds, powers of attorney, and trusts.
• Jurats — the signer swears or affirms the contents are true, and signs in front of the notary. Common for affidavits and sworn statements.
• Oaths and affirmations — a formal promise, with no document signing required (e.g., swearing in a witness).
• Copy certifications — the notary certifies that a copy of a document is a true copy of the original (permitted for some document types, in some states).

When Do You Need a Notary?

Common documents that typically require notarization include real estate deeds and mortgage documents, powers of attorney, wills and trusts (depending on the state), affidavits, vehicle title transfers, and various court filings. If a form includes a section for a notary's seal and signature, that's your signal it needs to be notarized rather than just signed.

What a Notary Public Is Not

It's worth being clear about the limits of the role. A notary is not a lawyer (unless separately licensed as one) and can't give legal advice, draft a will, or tell you which type of document you need. A notary also isn't a guarantee that a document's contents are accurate — only that the person who signed it was properly identified and did so willingly.

How to Find a Notary Public Near You

Notaries work from banks, shipping and copy stores, law offices, and as independent mobile notaries who travel to your home or office. You can search for a notary public near you to compare office and mobile options, services offered, and contact information directly — no middleman required.

If you're a commissioned notary looking to reach more clients, you can also list your notary business on NotaryOfficial.com.