What is Notary?

A notary public is a public officer commissioned by New York State to deter fraud. Many documents that need the principal's signature also need a notary's signature and seal.

What the notary actually does

The notary checks the signer's government photo ID, confirms the signer understands the document and is signing willingly, watches the signature happen, and completes a certificate with a seal and a journal entry.

Two kinds of notarial act

An acknowledgment confirms that the person who signed is who they say they are and signed on purpose. A jurat adds an oath: the signer swears the contents are true. Deeds and powers of attorney take acknowledgments; affidavits take jurats.

What a notary is not

A notary does not draft or interpret documents, does not give legal advice, and cannot notarize for someone who is confused, sedated or under pressure. That last rule matters most in hospitals, where we spend a lot of our time.

Need one to come to you? See our mobile notary service.