What is a key responsibility of a notary public?

A key responsibility of a notary public is to deter fraud and verify identities during the notarization process. This role is crucial because notaries serve as impartial witnesses to the signing of documents, ensuring that the individuals signing are who they claim to be and that they are doing so willingly and under no duress. By verifying identities, often through the presentation of government-issued identification, notaries help maintain the integrity of legal documents and prevent fraudulent activities.

While other responsibilities mentioned are important in certain contexts, they do not encompass the primary duty of a notary. Providing legal advice is outside the scope of a notary's role, as notaries are not authorized to interpret laws or offer legal guidance. Additionally, while notaries might occasionally assist in the preparation of documents or administer oaths, these tasks are not as central to the duty of notarization as the verification of identities and the prevention of fraud. The core mission of a notary is to ensure that the process of signing documents is secure and legitimate.