NOTARY PUBLIC

a public officer authorized to administer oaths, to attest to and certify certain types of documents, to take depositions, and to perform certain acts in commercial matters. The seal of a notary public authenticates a document. In some jurisdictions an attorney admitted to practice within the jurisdiction can act as a notary public. In many jurisdictions private persons can apply for and receive authority to act as notaries to witness documents. Source: Barron's Dictionary of Legal Terms, Steven H. Gifis, 5th Edition; © 2016