What is a Notary Public
"A Notary Public is a public officer appointed and commissioned by the Governor whose function is to administer oaths (or affirmations; to take acknowledgments; to attest to the trueness of photocopies of certain documents; and to perform other duties specified by Florida law." Governor's Reference Manual for Notaries Public Florida Notaries are commissioned and authorized to perform six (6) basic duties . Administer oaths or affirmations (Jurats) . Take acknowledgments . Attest to photocopies of certain documents . Solemnize marriage . Verify vehicle identification numbers (VINs) . Certify the contents of safety-deposit boxes What a Florida Notary cannot do along with a list of prohibited acts . Provide legal advise or legal interpretation of documents (this is considered practice of law) . Signature witnessing . Notarization of a photograph . Notarization of public record such as birth certificate or other vital record . Certification of authenticity of objects (art, sports memorabilia) . Certification of a person's residency or citizenship status . Preparation of legal documents or immigration papers unless the notary is also a licensed Florida attorney.Things to take in to consideration... While the most recognized duty of a notary is the one where signers' identity are verified, notaries must also verify the willingness of the signers (making sure they are signing without duress or intimidation) and their awareness of the contents of the document or transaction they are about to attest (making sure they are competent). Notaries must be impartial and must not act where there is personal interest. Lastly, a United States Notary Public is NOT an attorney, judge or high-ranking official, and is not a Notario Publico.