New Jersey Notary Practice Exam 2025 – All-in-One Study Guide for Guaranteed Success!

The primary function of a notary public in New Jersey is to serve as an impartial witness to the signing of documents. This duty is critical because notaries help ensure that the signatures on legal documents are authentic and that the individuals signing the documents are doing so willingly and without any coercion. By confirming the identities of the signers and overseeing the signing process, notaries play a vital role in preventing fraud and maintaining the integrity of documents that may have significant legal implications.

Notaries do not issue legal opinions on documents, provide legal representation in court, or investigate fraudulent documents as their main responsibilities. Instead, their focus is on witnessing signatures, administering oaths, and performing other functions that facilitate the legal formalities required for document execution. This emphasis on impartiality and verification is essential for maintaining trust in the notary's role within the legal and business communities.