If you’ve ever bought a home, signed a power of attorney, or finalized legal paperwork, chances are you’ve worked with a notary public. But what exactly does a notary do—and why are their services so important?
Let’s break down what a notary public is, what they do, and why they play such a vital role in keeping your documents legal and trustworthy.
What Is a Notary Public?
A notary public is a state-commissioned official who serves as an impartial witness in the signing of important documents. Their main purpose is to verify identity, deter fraud, and ensure that all parties are signing willingly and knowingly.
Notaries don’t give legal advice or prepare documents—they simply ensure that the document signing process is honest, transparent, and legally valid.
What Does a Notary Public Do?
A notary public performs several important functions, including:
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Verifying Identity
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Confirming that each signer is who they claim to be using valid, government-issued photo ID.
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Witnessing Signatures
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Watching as the document is signed to ensure no one is being forced or misled.
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Administering Oaths and Affirmations
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When a signer must swear that the information in a document is true.
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Completing Notarial Certificates
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Adding their official stamp or seal to certify the notarization.
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These steps help protect against fraud and ensure the document can be trusted by courts, financial institutions, and government agencies.
Why We Need Notaries
In today’s world of digital transactions and identity theft, the notary public serves as a critical safeguard for the integrity of legal documents.
1. Prevention of Fraud
Notaries confirm identity and willingness, reducing the risk of forged or unauthorized signatures.
2. Legal Protection
A notarized document carries greater legal weight because it’s verified by an official witness.
3. Public Trust
Notaries provide an impartial verification process, ensuring all parties can rely on the validity of the signed document.
4. Required by Law
Certain documents—like deeds, affidavits, and powers of attorney—must be notarized for them to be accepted legally.
Common Documents That Require a Notary
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Real estate deeds and mortgages
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Powers of attorney
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Wills and trusts
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Business contracts
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Loan and financial documents
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Affidavits and sworn statements
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Travel consent letters for minors
Different Types of Notary Services
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Traditional In-Person Notarization – The signer meets the notary face-to-face.
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Mobile Notarization – The notary travels to your location.
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Remote Online Notarization (RON) – The process is completed securely over video call.
Each method follows strict state laws to ensure every notarization is valid and protected.
Final Thoughts
A notary public is more than just a witness they’re a trusted protector of honesty and legality in important life transactions. Whether you’re signing estate documents, closing on a home, or verifying business paperwork, a notary ensures your signature stands the test of time.
At Looking Glass Notary, we provide professional, secure, and convenient notarization services—both in person and online—to help you protect what matters most.
