notarys

Notarys is a term that appears in some English texts as a plural form of notary, but the standard modern English usage is notaries or notaries public. The spelling “notarys” is nonstandard and may be encountered in older documents or translations from languages where the equivalent title has a different form. In contemporary English, the roles are described using notaries public or civil-law notaries, depending on the jurisdiction.

Notaries perform acts that certify the authenticity of signatures and documents. Typical duties include witnessing signatures, administering oaths and affirmations, and attesting to the identity of signatories. They may also certify copies of documents and authenticate various instruments. The scope of a notary’s authority varies by jurisdiction: in common-law systems, notarial acts are often limited and require a commissioned notary public, whereas in civil-law systems notaries (notaires or notários) often have broader responsibilities.

Jurisdiction and training requirements differ widely. Appointment by a government authority, background checks, and continuing education are common prerequisites. Notaries are usually required to maintain records of their acts and, in many places, to use a seal or stamp to indicate notarization. Some systems also require keeping a journal of notarial acts for accountability and traceability.

Relation to other professions is another key distinction. Notaries are not general legal advisers; their primary function is to provide verification and authentication services for documents and signatures. In civil-law traditions, notaries may be involved in drafting and supervising the execution of certain instruments, while in common-law traditions their role tends to be narrower and more procedure-oriented.