New York Notary Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Exam Prep

The primary role of a notary public in New York State is to serve as an impartial witness to the signing of important documents. This function is crucial because it helps to prevent fraud and ensures that the parties involved are entering into agreements voluntarily and with an understanding of the content. By verifying the identity of signers and observing the signing process, a notary upholds the integrity of documents such as contracts, deeds, and affidavits.

Notaries do not provide legal advice or create legal documents; their responsibilities are strictly limited to witnessing signatures and administering oaths. This is different from the roles of legal professionals like attorneys, who do offer guidance and draft legal paperwork. Additionally, notaries are not mediators and do not resolve disputes; their focus remains on the authentication of signatures and the execution of documents in a fair and unbiased manner. This essential function builds trust in the legal process and helps maintain the validity of executed documents.