A Notary Public is a person designated by the Governor of the State, or the pertinent regulatory body who is in charge of administering oaths, authenticating legal documents, contracts, and copies, and taking affidavits and declarations on legal matters. In the United States of America, it is not necessary for Notaries Public to be Lawyers, as any person that has completed the necessary training and licensing may be appointed. They are limited to the aforementioned tasks and are not generally allowed to practice law.

The general purpose of a Notary is to act as an impartial witness to protect you against fraud or misrepresentation in any business or personal transactions. As Notaries are appointed by the Governor of each State, some procedures and requirements may differ from state to state.