What is a notary?
A notary public, also known as a notary, is a public officer who is authorized by the state of Texas to perform certain legal functions.
Notaries ensure the authenticity of legal documents and documents and verify the identities of the parties involved in a transaction. A few of a notary’s functions and authorized acts include witnessing signatures on documents, administering oaths, and certifying copies of official documents.
Texas Government Code 406.016 is the law laying out the authorized acts of a notary.
What does it mean to sign something in front of a notary?
When you sign something in front of a notary, it means that you are signing a document in the presence of a legally authorized public officer who is a disinterested party. The notary is responsible for verifying your identity, witnessing your signature, your reasons for signing the document, and certifying the document as authentic.
