What is the primary function of a notary public?

A notary public's primary function is to witness the signing of documents. This involves the notary confirming the identity of the signers, ensuring that they are signing willingly and are competent to do so. By serving as an impartial witness to the signing process, the notary helps to prevent fraud and ensures the integrity of the transaction.

While the act of witnessing the signing may encompass aspects of document authentication, the core responsibility lies in the notary's role as a witness. This witnessing process provides assurance that the signatures on the documents are genuine and executed in the appropriate context, making the documents legally enforceable. Other responsibilities can include administering oaths and performing acknowledgments, but the essential function remains the witnessing of signatures.

Enforcement of laws and issuing licenses are not part of a notary’s duties and are typically managed by other governmental agencies or officials. Additionally, while notaries may authenticate documents by notarizing them, this action is a result of their witnessing duty, rather than a standalone primary function. Understanding this distinction is vital for correctly identifying the role of a notary within the legal and formal documentation processes.