Notary public

A public officer authorized to administer oaths, to attest toand certify certain types of documents, to take depositions, and to performcertain acts in commercial matters. The seal of a notary public authenticates adocument. In some jurisdictions an attorney admitted to practice within thejurisdiction can act as a notary public. In many jurisdictions private personscan apply for and receive authority to act as notaries to witness documents.