Which description best defines a Notary Public?

• A. A government official authorized to certify signatures.
• B. A commissioned public officer to perform notarial acts.
• C. An attorney who handles legal documents.
• D. A clerk who witnesses signatures for everyday tasks.

Answer: (B)

Notary Public is a commissioned public officer of the state who has the authority to perform notarial acts. This official status comes from the state appointing and commissioning the notary, establishing the duty to administer oaths, take acknowledgments, witness signatures, verify identities, and certify those acts. They aren’t necessarily attorneys, and they’re more than just everyday witnesses or clerks. The essential idea is the combination of being a state-commissioned public official and having authority to perform notarial acts, which is precisely what the description describes.