Notary facts for kids
A notary (also called a notary public) is a special person who helps make sure important papers are signed correctly. They are like an official witness. Notaries are appointed by the government to do certain legal tasks. Their main job is to confirm that the person signing a document is really who they say they are. This helps prevent fraud, which is when someone tries to trick others. In some places, notaries can even perform marriage ceremonies!
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What Does a Notary Do?
Notaries have several important duties. These jobs help make sure that legal documents are trustworthy.
Witnessing Signatures
The most common thing a notary does is witness signatures. Imagine you have an important form that needs to be signed. A notary will watch you sign it. Then, they will put their own special stamp and signature on the document. This shows that they saw you sign it and that you are the person you claim to be. This process is called "notarization."
Preventing Fraud
Notaries play a big role in stopping fraud. By checking a person's identity, they make it much harder for someone to pretend to be another person. For example, if someone tried to sign a paper using a fake name, the notary would catch it. They usually ask for a photo ID, like a driver's license or passport, to confirm who you are. This makes important papers more secure and reliable.
Other Notary Services
Besides witnessing signatures, notaries can sometimes do other things:
- Administering Oaths: They can make someone promise to tell the truth, like in a court case.
- Taking Acknowledgments: This means they confirm that a person freely signed a document.
- Certifying Copies: In some cases, they can confirm that a copy of a document is a true and exact copy of the original.
- Performing Marriages: In some states or countries, a notary public has the power to perform wedding ceremonies.
Why Are Notaries Important?
Notaries are important because they add a layer of trust to many legal and business dealings. When a document is notarized, it means an official person has verified key details. This makes the document stronger and more likely to be accepted in courts or by other official groups.
Who Uses Notaries?
Many different people and organizations use notaries.
- Individuals: People might need a notary for school forms, permission slips for trips, or documents related to buying a house.
- Businesses: Companies often use notaries for contracts, agreements, and other official papers.
- Government Agencies: Governments rely on notaries for various official records and processes.
Becoming a Notary
To become a notary, a person usually needs to meet certain requirements. These often include:
- Being a certain age, usually 18 or older.
- Living in the state or country where they want to be a notary.
- Passing a background check.
- Sometimes, they need to take a course or pass an exam about notary laws.
- They are then appointed by the government for a certain period, like four or five years.
Notaries are important members of society. They help keep things fair and honest when it comes to important documents.
Images for kids
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A notary at work (painting by German artist Max Volkhart).
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Entrance to notary's office in Vigo, Spain.
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"Der Notar" ("The Notary"), Copper engraving from 1698 book by Christoph Weigel the Elder
See also
In Spanish: Notario para niños
