08/20/2026
๐ NOTARY KNOWLEDGE THURSDAY: A Notary Public Is More Than a Stamp ๐
Have you ever wondered what a Notary Public actually does?
Many people think a notary simply places a stamp on a document, but the role carries much more responsibility.
A Notary Public is a state-commissioned official entrusted with performing official notarial acts and serving as an impartial witness during important transactions. In New York State, a Notary Public serves as an officer of the state and is given the authority to perform duties established under state law.
A Notary Public helps protect the integrity of the signing process by verifying identity, following proper procedures, and helping deter fraud.
A Notary Public may:
๐๏ธ Verify the identity of signers
๐ Witness signatures when required
๐ Administer oaths and affirmations
๐ Perform acknowledgments and jurats
โ๏ธ Take depositions when properly requested
โ๐ฝ Complete notarial certificates
๐ Maintain accurate notarial records as required
A properly completed notarization creates an official record of the notarial act. In certain situations, a Notary Public may be called upon to answer questions or testify regarding the notarial act, including the identification process, documentation reviewed, journal entries, and the circumstances surrounding the signing.
This is why professionalism, accuracy, attention to detail, and following proper procedures are so important.
๐ก๏ธ DID YOU KNOW? ABOUT ERRORS & OMISSIONS (E&O) INSURANCE
Professional notaries understand that every notarization carries responsibility.
While E&O insurance is not generally required to become a New York State Notary Public, many professional notaries choose to carry coverage as an added layer of protection.
For Certified Loan Signing Agents, E&O insurance is especially important because they handle complex and sensitive loan documents involving real estate transactions. Requirements can vary depending on state laws, lenders, title companies, and signing services. Many companies require Certified Loan Signing Agents to maintain E&O coverage before accepting assignments.
E&O insurance is designed to help protect professionals from claims involving an alleged error, omission, or mistake while performing their professional services.
Being a Notary Public is about more than a stamp โ it is about trust, responsibility, integrity, and protecting the public.
๐ At McPhersonโs Next Level Documents & Notary Services, my commitment is to provide:
โ๏ธ Professional service
โ๏ธ Reliable assistance
โ๏ธ Confidential handling of your important documents
๐ Proudly serving Westchester County and communities throughout New York State.
โจ Taking Your Documents to the Next Level. โจ
๐ฌ Have questions about notarizations, loan signings, or document services? Drop your questions below! Your question may become a future Notary Knowledge Thursday topic.