Notary public

Notary public, state-appointed official who certifies the authenticity of documents and takes oaths. Birth certificates, marriage licenses, and property deeds require notarizing, to avoid the possibility of forging. A notary affixes a seal to a document when he or she is certain that the person who signed it is known to him or her and that the signature is genuine. In most states anyone can become a notary with proof of good character, legal age, and residence in the area in which he or she wishes to be appointed.