A notary public is a state-appointed official authorized to act as a neutral witness to the signing of important documents. Their primary role is to ensure that the parties involved in the transaction are who they say they are and that they are signing the document willingly and without duress.

A notary public verifies the identity of the signers, ensures they understand the contents of the document, witnesses the signature, and applies their official notary seal. In some cases, they may also administer oaths or affirmations.

To notarize a document, the signer must provide valid, government-issued photo identification, such as:

- ID must be current or issued within the last 5 years and bear a serial or ID number

- State-issued driver's license

- State-issued identification card

- U.S. passport issued by the U.S. Department of State

- U.S. military ID

- State, county and local government IDs

- Permanent resident card, or "green card," issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

- Foreign passport, if stamped by the U.S. Department of Justice, Immigration and Naturalization Service

- Driver's license officially issued by a Territory of the United States, another state, Mexico or Canada

- Inmate Cards

The ID must be current and must include the signer's photograph and signature.

Yes, a notary may refuse to notarize a document if:

- The signer does not have proper identification.

- The signer appears unwilling or coerced.

- The notary suspects fraud or that the signer does not understand the document.

- The document contains blank spaces or incomplete information.

- The document is in a language the notary does not understand.

No, notarization does not make a document legal or true. The notary's role is to verify the identities of the parties involved and witness their signatures. It does not validate the content of the document.

A mobile notary is a notary public who travels to a client’s location to notarize documents. This service is often used for individuals who are unable to visit a notary’s office or need services outside regular business hours.

- Acknowledgment: The signer acknowledges that they signed the document voluntarily and appear before the notary.

- Jurat: The signer swears or affirms that the content of the document is true, and the signature is witnessed by the notary. Jurats are often used for affidavits and sworn statements.