A notary public is a person who has been commissioned by the state to serve as an impartial witness to documents. This refers to individuals, family matters, law matters, real property matters, etc. Generally, they witness the signing of documents, verify signers identity, record an entry for the signing, complete their notarial act. The term “notary public” is most common in the united states, but it is also commonly used in other countries. As a government official who performs a lawful duty while commissioned, all notaries are expected to help safeguard the public from fraud that may arise.