A notary public is an individual commissioned by the Office of the Secretary of State to perform notarial acts which include:
- Taking an acknowledgement
- Administering an oath or affirmation
- Taking a verification on oath or affirmation
- Witnessing or attesting a signature
- Certifying or attesting a copy
- Noting a protest of a negotiable instrument
Notarization protects against fraud. A notarized signature proves the signer appeared before the notary public. A signer must be in the physical presence of the notary before the notary may lawfully notarize the document. The notary also certifies that a signature is made willingly and freely.
Download the North Dakota Notaries Public Info Sheet for a quick reference about types of notarial acts, how to become a notary public, notary stamp requirements, notarial certificate requirements, steps to notarize a document, and fees for notarial acts.
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