Function

• A notary public, often known as a notary, is a public servant who can oversee the signing of important documents as well as the administration of oaths. State governments provide certification and appoint individuals as notary publics. Without this certification, an individual cannot be a notary.
  
  

Significance

• The certification allows individuals to oversee the signing of contracts and other documents to deter fraud and ensure validity by requiring identification from the individuals involved. The notary serves as an unbiased individual during these and other proceedings.
  
  

Considerations

• Even though the notary public certification allows an individual to notarize documents, notaries may not be able to legally notarize documents for family members, especially in cases where the notary may benefit directly from the notarized documents.
  
  

Certification

• Individuals who wish to become notaries must abide by state guidelines to obtain certification. State law may require applicants to take notary classes before they can complete the certification test. Individuals may also need to meet certain conditions, including age, residency and background to become a notary.