Notary Public: The short answer

A notary public is authorized official who is able to act as a reliable, unbiased witness to the signing of important documents. A notary public is also able to manage the oath and May have other official capacities, depending on jurisdiction.

In the United States, most notaries charge a nominal fee for their services. Notaries public to share his or her official duties marking documents with their signatures and distinctive embossed seal or inked stamp. document was witnessed by a notary public has notarized.

Notary Public: Use

the benefits of using a notary public are simple. By confirming the authenticity of signatures of the parties, the notary provides a cost effective way for organizations and individuals to enter into contracts and do business with reasonable assurance that the certified documents will be admitted in court.

by using a notary public is a way to protect themselves from fraud, because the notary is responsible for the required signed a legal document to establish his identity. Although it is not conclusive proof of identity, provides reasonable proof of identity, so every day business can be conducted. notary also acts as a disinterested third party for the parties to enter into a legally binding contract.

Notary Public: For more information, please

History

concept of a notary public is as old as the Western concept of civil rights, which had its origins in the courts in Rome. As the Roman legal system becomes more codified, the courts have become more and more reliant on the use of scribes for maintaining court records. These scribes developed a system of legal shorthand, called notes. Over time, legal scribe earned the name Notarius.

The name has been handed down through the centuries, living on past the fall of the Roman Empire. During the Middle Ages, the role of the notary public is often taken by the clergy, who are charged with recording private and public transport, as well as the preparation of official documents.

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Today, the notary's duties are somewhat different from the duties of Notarius. In the United States, a notary public is authorized by special authority, usually government, for the services of a notary public. These duties are usually limited to the testimony of documents and management of the oath. Some states also allow notaries certify copies of official documents

Two of the most common documents that a notary public will witness has to do with the sale or transfer of property and granting power of attorney. a few examples of documents that a notary public can officially witness include the following:
§ Acknowledgements
§ affidavits
§ Jurats
§ oath
§ Formal protests

Some states provide far more notaries public duties. For example notaries in Louisiana were able to perform most tasks that an attorney may provide an exception to represent other persons before the court. Three states - Florida, Maine and South Carolina - allow notaries to solemnize weddings

Some states will require a notary public to maintain a record of acts. Although keeping a diary of official action not mandated by all states, many professional notary organizations recommend that all notaries keep records of their actions.

Sidebar: Legal language

Ever wonder why the legal document that is clear as mud?

The text of legal documents to comply with certain customs and restrictions in order to be binding on the court. This text is called acceptable language.

Sidebar: Documents and Definitions

Know your Jurata from your confirmation? Here are some definitions of common documents handled by a notary public.

Acknowledgement: legal statement of fact.
Affidavit: sworn statement
Jurate: part of the affidavit containing the oath or affirmation

Becoming a Notary Public

In the United States, each state is responsible for commissioning notaries to practice within their jurisdiction. Generally speaking, the conditions for becoming a notary public is relatively easy to meet. In most states, the applicant must be at least 18 years of age. Most states charge a small fee, as part of the application process. Some states require satisfactory performance on the exam before commissioning the notary public servants. In some states, a notary public is required to hold bonds as collateral in case of complaints leveled against the notary public.

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