What is the primary function of a notary public in Colorado?

The primary function of a notary public in Colorado is to serve as an impartial witness in the signing of important documents. This role is crucial in ensuring that the parties involved in a transaction are who they claim to be, and that they are entering into the agreement freely and willingly. By verifying identities through appropriate identification and administering oaths if necessary, notaries help prevent fraud and protect the integrity of the document signing process.

Notaries are not allowed to provide legal advice, which is essential to maintain their impartiality and neutrality in the transactions they witness. Additionally, translating documents or preparing legal documents falls outside the scope of their responsibilities. Notaries focus solely on witnessing signatures and performing specific acts such as acknowledgments, jurats, and other notarial acts. This clear delineation of responsibilities helps to ensure the trustworthiness of documents in legal and financial matters.