What is a Notary Public?

Notaries public are considered public officers of the states in which they are appointed. Notaries are appointed by the State, owe allegiance to the State, and take an oath of office in which they swear to support, protect, and defend the constitution of the State and of the United States. Notary's duties are ministerial in nature in so much as the notary is not required to make determinations as to the legality of a document. Notaries are generally presented with a document that already has some sort of instructions printed on it instructing the notary how to proceed with the transaction in order to make the document acceptable for its intended purpose.