Which statement best describes the Notary Public's authority?

• A. A licensed attorney who may draft legal documents.
• B. A commissioned public officer authorized to perform notarial acts.
• C. A clerk who issues birth certificates.
• D. A police officer who enforces traffic laws.

Answer: (B)

The main idea is that a Notary Public is a commissioned public officer of the state whose authority comes from the state to perform notarial acts. In practice, this means they are empowered to verify identity, witness signing of documents, take acknowledgments, administer oaths, and record notarial acts. They are not defined by being an attorney, a birth certificate clerk, or a police officer. An attorney drafts legal documents (and may have other duties), a birth certificate clerk handles vital records, and a police officer enforces laws. The Notary Public’s authority is precisely that commission to perform notarial acts as a state officer.