What is the primary responsibility of a notary public?

The primary responsibility of a notary public is to ensure the authenticity of signed documents. This role involves verifying the identity of the signers, ensuring that they are signing willingly and without any coercion, and witnessing the signing of documents to confirm that the process adheres to legal standards. The notary acts as an impartial witness to the transaction, thereby reducing the risk of fraud and promoting trust in the documents being executed.

While notaries may charge fees for their services, this is a secondary aspect of their role and not a core responsibility. Offering legal advice is outside the scope of a notary's duties, as notaries are not trained or authorized to provide legal counsel. Similarly, preparing legal documents is not a primary function of a notary; their main job is focused on witnessing and authenticating signatures rather than creating legal paperwork.