What defines the authority of a notary public?

The authority of a notary public is primarily defined by their role as an impartial witness to the signing of important documents. This function is crucial as it helps to deter fraud and ensures that the parties involved in the signing process are who they claim to be. Notaries verify identities through official identification and take an oath to act honestly and impartially, thus lending credibility to the documents they notarize.

The responsibilities of a notary are distinctly limited to witnessing signatures, administering oaths, and certifying documents rather than creating laws, representing individuals in legal proceedings, or enforcing agreements between parties. This impartiality is foundational to the integrity of the notarial process, emphasizing the notary's role in providing a trusted and neutral service to the public.