New York Notary Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Exam Prep

A notary public plays a crucial role in document authentication primarily by validating the identity of individuals signing documents. This responsibility is vital to ensuring the authenticity and integrity of documents and transactions. When a notary verifies a signer's identity, they employ various methods, such as personal appearance and government-issued identification, to confirm that the person signing is indeed who they claim to be. This act of verification helps deter fraud and protects all parties involved in the transaction, as it establishes trust in the legitimacy of the signatures on the documents.

In contrast, preparing legal documents is not the function of a notary, as they do not provide legal advice or services. Additionally, a notary does not represent one party in a transaction; they are required to be impartial and neutral, acting in the interest of all parties involved. While notaries may charge fees for their services, the fee structure is not their primary role in authentication, which centers around identity verification and ensuring that all procedures are followed correctly during the signing process.