What is a primary responsibility of a Notary Public in Pennsylvania?

A primary responsibility of a Notary Public in Pennsylvania is to prevent fraud by verifying signers' identities. This essential duty involves confirming that the individuals signing a document are indeed who they claim to be, typically through the use of valid identification. By doing so, a notary helps maintain the integrity and legitimacy of the documents being notarized, thus safeguarding against potential fraudulent activities.

The role of a notary is not to provide legal advice, represent clients in court, or prepare legal documents. Engaging in those activities would extend beyond the scope of a notary's designated functions and may lead to unauthorized practice of law. Notaries are specifically tasked with the authentication of signatures and the execution of their duties as defined by state law, which centers on the verification aspect, making them integral in ensuring the reliability of numerous legal transactions.