A notary public (also called a notary, or public notary) is an official who is given the authority to administer oaths and various other declarations. Additionally, a notary public can authenticate documents for public or private transactions. When people speak of having something notarized, they are referring to the actions of a notary public. To become a notary public, one must have relevant experience or specific training, for example as a lawyer. Though a notary public may be a lawyer, in most states of the US, this is not required. Most countries require foreign documents to be signed by a notary public before they can have legal effect within their borders. Documents certified by notary publics are sealed or stamped. |
