A notary public is a public official appointed by the state and authorized by law to certify the authenticity of signatures and copies of documents, to administer oaths and affirmations, ad to perform other such acts as are allowed or required by law. This official serve the public as an impartial witness.
Since the office is admistered by the state, the procedures and requirements for becoming a notary public vary from state to state. In most cases, an individual submits an application to be reviewed by the Secretary of State. In some states, an exam is a required part of the application process. Applicants who are approved by the state are sworn in as notaries public to serve for a specified period of time. A notary public does not have the authority to carry out the duties of his office in any state but that in which he was appointed.
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