What is the main purpose of a certificate of authority?

The main purpose of a certificate of authority is to be used in countries that are not part of the Hague Apostille Convention. This certificate serves as a form of authentication for documents that will be used internationally, ensuring that the signatures and notarial acts are recognized by foreign authorities.

In instances where a document is being sent to a country that does not participate in the Hague Convention, the certificate of authority provides an alternative method of validating the document's legitimacy. This is particularly important in facilitating international transactions and ensuring legal recognition of notarized documents.

While other options mention various aspects related to notarization, they do not directly address the specific purpose of a certificate of authority. The roles of validating transactions, authorizing online transactions, or simplifying procedures are relevant to the broader context of notarization but do not encompass the primary function of the certificate of authority in international document authentication.