North Carolina Notary Practice Exam 2026 – Complete Prep Guide

A notary public is defined as a public official authorized to perform notarial acts, which include witnessing the signing of documents, administering oaths, and taking affidavits. The role of a notary is crucial in verifying the identity of individuals involved in legal transactions and preventing fraud.

Notaries serve as impartial witnesses to ensure that the signing parties fully understand the documents they are signing and that they are doing so willingly. This function helps ensure the integrity of various legal processes, including contracts, real estate transactions, and other important documents.

Being a public official means that notaries must adhere to specific legal guidelines and responsibilities as set by their state government. This distinguishes them from individuals who might provide legal advice or specialized services, which is not within the scope of a notary's role. The other options do not accurately represent the responsibilities and authority of a notary public, as they suggest functions or roles outside the defined duties of notarial acts.