The Legal Power of a Notary Public Explained

A notary public may seem like just a witness with a stamp, but their role carries legal weight. They are commissioned by the state to act as impartial witnesses, helping to deter fraud and verify the authenticity of important documents.

When a notary public signs and seals a document, they are confirming that the people involved have proven their identity and signed willingly. This makes the document more credible and legally enforceable.

For example, in real estate deals, notarized signatures are often required to finalize transactions. In court cases, a notarized affidavit may be accepted as valid testimony. Powers of attorney, which grant legal control over someone’s affairs, typically need to be notarized to ensure they’re legitimate.

A notary public can also administer oaths and affirmations. This is especially important in legal settings where someone must swear to the truthfulness of a document. Their ability to do this gives legal standing to various declarations and sworn statements.

It’s worth noting that notaries do not offer legal advice unless they are also licensed attorneys. Their job is not to explain the contents of a document but to verify that the people signing it are doing so freely and understand what they’re signing.

The authority of a notary varies slightly by state, but the core functions are consistent: confirming identity, witnessing signatures, and stamping or sealing documents to validate them. Some states allow remote online notarization, where the notary verifies everything via video call.

Ultimately, a notary public helps ensure that critical agreements and legal documents hold up under scrutiny. Their signature and seal add a layer of trust, formality, and legal backing that’s essential in many personal and professional matters.