Ohio Notary Practice Exam

The primary role of a notary public is to certify documents and witness signatures. This includes verifying the identity of individuals signing documents, ensuring that they are doing so willingly and without coercion, and providing an official seal or signature that signifies the authenticity of the transaction. This process helps prevent fraud and ensures that the documents have legal standing. Providing legal advice, preparing legal contracts, or acting as a mediator in disputes falls outside the responsibilities designated to notaries. Notaries do not engage in the practice of law or offer legal counsel, nor do they create legal documents; their function is strictly to authenticate and verify documents and signatures. This focused role is essential in facilitating reliable and trustworthy transactions in various legal and business contexts.