New York State Notary Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The primary purpose of a notary public is to verify identities and witness signatures. This role is essential in ensuring the authenticity and integrity of legal documents and transactions. When a notary public witnesses a signature, they confirm that the signer is who they claim to be, which helps to prevent fraud. This verification process often includes checking identification and ensuring the individual understands the document they are signing.

Notaries serve a crucial function in a variety of contexts, including real estate transactions, wills, powers of attorney, and other legal documents that require a signature. Their involvement adds a layer of trust to the documents and processes at hand, making them vital in maintaining public confidence in legal transactions. By witnessing signatures and verifying identities, notaries help ensure that documents are executed properly and are enforceable in legal settings.

Other roles mentioned, such as providing legal counsel, preparing legal documents, or acting as mediators in disputes, fall outside the official responsibilities of a notary public. Notaries do not provide legal advice, draft legal documents for clients, or settle conflicts, as these functions require a licensed attorney. Thus, the verification of identities and witnessing of signatures remains the core function of a notary public.