What is the purpose of a digital certificate in electronic notarization?

The purpose of a digital certificate in electronic notarization is to ensure the document is tamper-evident. This is crucial in maintaining the integrity and authenticity of notarized documents in a digital environment. A digital certificate serves as a secure form of identification, containing the notary's information and a unique digital signature that helps to confirm that the document has not been altered after being notarized. When a document is signed electronically and a digital certificate is applied, it creates a protective mechanism that detects any changes, thereby ensuring that the content remains intact and trustworthy.

While other options such as creating a notary seal, authorizing the notary action, and verifying the signer's identity are important functions in the notarization process, they do not directly address the primary role of a digital certificate, which is specifically to safeguard the document against tampering, thereby preserving its legitimacy and legal standing.