What is the primary purpose of notarization?

The primary purpose of notarization is to prevent fraud and forgery. This is achieved through the notary public's role in confirming the identity of the individuals signing documents and witnessing their signatures. By doing so, the notary acts as an impartial third party, ensuring that the signers are who they claim to be and that they are signing documents willingly and without coercion. This process provides a layer of protection against fraudulent activities, as notarized documents are generally viewed as more credible and trustworthy in legal and financial transactions.

While affirming the validity of signatures, documenting the presence of witnesses, and ensuring compliance with legal standards are important aspects of notarization, these functions are all geared towards supporting the overarching goal of preventing fraud and maintaining the integrity of documents. Thus, the fundamental purpose remains centered on deterring and uncovering fraudulent practices.