What is the primary function of an electronic notary public?

The primary function of an electronic notary public is to perform electronic notarial acts in accordance with state laws. This role allows the notary to certify electronic documents and transactions, ensuring that they meet the required legal standards. Electronic notaries use technology to verify the identity of signers through secure means, such as digital signatures or electronic identification methods. This service greatly contributes to the efficiency of the notarization process, as it allows for remote transactions and facilitates a broader access to notarization services.

Maintaining public records is just one aspect of a notary's responsibilities, but it is not the primary function, especially in the context of electronic notarization, which focuses on the notarization process itself. Similarly, authenticating physical documents may fall under the responsibilities of traditional notaries, but electronic notaries specifically deal with electronic documentation. Offering legal advice is outside the authorized duties of notaries, as they are not permitted to provide counsel on legal matters related to the documents they notarize.