notariespublic

Notaries public are public officials authorized to perform certain formal acts regarding documents. Their core duties include witnessing signatures, administering oaths and affirmations, taking acknowledgments, certifying the authenticity of signatures, verifying the identity of signers, and recording notarial acts. They may also certify copies of documents and perform other duties as permitted by law.

Appointment and scope vary by jurisdiction. In many countries, notaries are commissioned by a government authority; in the United States, for example, notaries are appointed by state governments and operate under state law, including the maintenance of a record book and use of a seal or stamp. Some jurisdictions allow remote or online notarizations using approved technology.

Notaries public do not certify the legal validity or contents of documents; their function is to deter fraud and ensure proper execution. They should verify the signer's identity, confirm they are signing willingly, and record details of the act. Notaries typically cannot provide legal advice.

Notaries differ in role by tradition. In civil-law jurisdictions, the notary (notaire) is often a trained lawyer who drafts and certifies notarial acts, such as contracts, real estate deeds, or wills, and who holds a broader set of responsibilities than in common-law systems.

Qualifications and training vary; requirements may include age, residency, good character, and examination or professional qualifications. Some places require ongoing education. Modern practice increasingly incorporates electronic records and digital signatures, with legal frameworks for electronic notarization.

Historically, notaries emerged in medieval Europe as royal scribes and custodians of documents; the office has evolved into a flexible public service with varying powers across jurisdictions.