What is a digital certificate used for in notarial practices?

A digital certificate is essential in notarial practices as it creates an official electronic signature for a notary public. This certificate serves as a means of ensuring that the signature is uniquely associated with the notary and has not been tampered with. It provides a secure way to authenticate documents and transactions conducted electronically, which is increasingly important in a digital world.

By utilizing a digital certificate, notaries can perform their duties remotely while maintaining the integrity and legality of the notarization process. It essentially establishes trust between the parties involved in digital transactions, assuring them that the notary's identity is verified and that the document has been properly notarized. The ability to securely sign electronic documents helps facilitate online transactions and enhances the efficiency of the notarial process.

The other options relate to functions that are not directly aligned with the primary purpose of a digital certificate in notarial practices. For instance, while certifying the authenticity of physical documents is important, that function typically relies on traditional methods rather than digital signatures. Similarly, temporary identification does not reflect the secured and legitimate nature of a digital certificate, and tracking notary appointments would generally use different technological solutions rather than involving digital certificates directly.