Who is considered a principal in notarization?

In the context of notarization, a principal refers to the individual whose signature is being notarized. This person is a key participant in the notarization process because the notary’s role is to verify the identity of this individual, ensure they are signing the document willingly, and ascertain that they understand the contents of the document being signed.

The focus is on the principal, as they are the one taking the action that requires notarization. The role of the notary (the individual conducting the notarization) is to provide oversight and legitimacy to that action by confirming the principal's identity and the conditions under which the signature is made. This distinction is crucial for understanding the responsibilities and legal implications involved in notarization processes, particularly in ensuring that documents are valid and binding.