What is the primary function of a Notary Public in California?

The primary function of a Notary Public in California is to serve as an impartial witness. This role involves verifying the identity of the signers and ensuring that they understand the documents they are signing. By acting as a disinterested third party, the Notary helps to prevent fraud and ensures that the signing process is conducted fairly and impartially. This witness function is vital in establishing the authenticity of signatures, which is critical for legal documents to be valid and enforceable.

Notaries do not act as legal advisors, as their role is not to provide legal counsel or interpret laws; they simply authenticate the signing process. Similarly, preparing legal documents falls outside the scope of a Notary's responsibilities, which focus instead on witnessing and verifying signatures. Additionally, providing financial services is not part of the Notary's duties; their function is strictly related to the notarization of documents rather than handling financial transactions.