Who is a person authorized by the state to witness signatures and affix a seal?

A Notary Public is an individual who has been authorized by the state to perform certain legal formalities, which primarily include witnessing signatures on documents and affixing a seal to indicate that this action has been duly performed. Notaries serve as impartial witnesses to ensure that the individual signing a document is doing so voluntarily and has the proper legal capacity to sign.

The role of the Notary Public is crucial in preventing fraud and ensuring the authenticity of important documents. This includes handling transactions that require a higher level of trust and verification, such as real estate transactions, loan documents, and powers of attorney. The notary's signature and seal provide assurance to third parties that the documents are valid and trustworthy.

While Justices of the Peace may also have certain similar functions, they typically serve broader legal roles including presiding over court cases. Certified Witness and Legal Secretary refer to roles that do not have the same legal authority as a Notary Public in terms of witnessing signatures and providing official certification.