Why are documents notarized?

• A. To expedite the signing process.
• B. To prevent signatures from being forged.
• C. To Deter Fraud, Prove Authenticity of a Signature, and Ensure That Signature Was Made Willingly and Not Under Duress.
• D. To reduce taxes.

Answer: (C)

Notarization centers on creating a trustworthy record of the signing. A notary acts as an impartial witness who verifies the signer’s identity, makes sure the signer understands the document, and confirms that the signature was made willingly in the notary’s presence. This combination helps deter fraudulent attempts and provides proof that the signature is authentic. The notary’s certification does not speed up signing, reduce taxes, or guarantee the document’s contents, but it does provide reliable evidence that the signing occurred properly and voluntarily.