What is the primary purpose of a notary public in California?

The primary purpose of a notary public in California is to serve as an impartial witness in document signing. This role is essential because it helps prevent fraud and ensures that the parties involved in the document execution are doing so willingly and are aware of the contents of the documents they are signing. By acting as a neutral third party, the notary verifies the identities of the signers, confirms that they are signing voluntarily, and acknowledges their understanding of the document.

While verifying the identity of signers is a significant aspect of a notary's duties, it is part of the broader responsibility of witnessing the signing process. Additionally, notaries do not draft documents or provide legal advice; these activities fall outside their scope of practice. A notary's function is specifically to facilitate the signing and acknowledgement process, making their role critical in maintaining the integrity of legal transactions.