USA Notary Public | USANotary.org

USA Notary Public | USANotary.org

http://www.usanotary.org/index.php

A Notary Public is a person commissioned to serve the public as an unbiased witness in executing non-contentious matters usually concerning powers of attorney, deeds, estates, wills and foreign and international business. These acts are commonly known as notarizations or notarial acts. The duties of a Notary is to administer oaths and affirmation, witness and authenticate certain classes of documents, screen signers and ensure of their true identity and willingness to sign without intimidation or duress.

A Notary Public should always practice impartiality. It is actually the foundation of its public trust. It is expected of a Notary Public not to act in situations where their personal interest is in question. Impartiality also demands that a Notary Public never declines to serve a person regardless of nationality, race, sexual orientation or religion.

A USA Notary Public is appointed by the state government, either by the governor or state secretary, or in some cases the state legislature. Since the USA Notary Public is considered a state officer, functions or responsibilities may vary from state to state. There are also cases wherein a notary cannot act outside of his/her home state unless they are also commissioned in other states as well. But most of the states issue a “commission at large”, where there is no indication of where or what county the person’s commission was issued. There are also states that require that the county where the commission is issued must be indicated but it does not mean that they are restricted to notarize documents on the county where the commission is issued. It is advisable to always check with the county or state rules governing such practice since it varies widely.