By requiring signatories to physically appear, notaries mitigate risks associated with identity theft and document forgery. This added security layer ensures that all processes are transparent and trustworthy, reinforcing the integrity of legally binding documents.

In bi-juridical jurisdictions, such as South Africa or Louisiana, the office of notary public is a legal profession with educational requirements similar to those for attorneys.

Notaries public have existed in Scotland since the 13th century and developed as a distinct element of the Scottish legal profession. Those who wish to practice as a notary must petition the Court of Session. This petition is usually presented at the same time as a petition to practice as a solicitor, but can sometimes be earlier or later.

Notaries in civil law jurisdictions are specialized in all matters relating to real estate, completing title exams in order to confirm the ownership of the property, the existence of any encumbrances such as easements or mortgages and hypothecs.

In real estate transactions, notarization is vital for verifying the identities of the parties involved and confirming the voluntary nature of agreements.

preparation and certification of powers of attorney, wills, deeds, contracts and other legal documents for use internationally

A notary serves as an impartial witness to verify the authenticity and integrity of legal documents. They confirm identities, deter fraud, and ensure that all parties understand the documents they sign, providing a crucial layer of trust and legality to the transaction.

Not surprisingly, in those early days, many of the notaries were members of the clergy. In the course of time, Notary Public members of the clergy ceased to take part in secular business and laymen, especially in towns and trading centers, began to assume the official character and functions of a modern common law notary.

Documents are notarized to deter fraud and to ensure they are properly executed. An impartial witness (the notary) identifies signers to screen out impostors and to make sure they have entered into agreements knowingly and willingly.

Notaries authenticate documents by certifying their validity. They verify the authenticity of signatures on various documents like affidavits and contracts.

In the case of some documents which are to be used in some foreign countries it may also be necessary to obtain another certificate known either as an "authentication" or an "apostille" (see above) (depending on the relevant foreign country) from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

In this case, either party will not have to prove each statement in the contract such as proof of payment and the other circumstances of their agreement.

There are two primary responsibilities of Notaries: 1) Validate the signer’s identity and 2) Confirm the signer’s willingness and awareness to sign the document or complete the transaction.

A cheaper alternative is to visit a commissioner for oaths who will charge less per signature, but that is only possible where whoever is to receive a document will recognize the signature of a commissioner for oaths.