The primary role of a notary public is to witness the signing of important documents and administer oaths. Notaries verify the identity of signers and ensure that documents are executed willingly and correctly, but they do not provide legal or financial advice.
Minnesota notaries are required to keep a journal of their notarial acts, which should include the date of the act, a description of the document, and the signatures of the parties involved. This record helps ensure transparency and accountability.
A notary public must verify the identity of the signer. If the signer does not present valid identification, the notary should refuse to perform the notarial act, as it is essential to ensure the signer's identity.
The notary seal or stamp in Minnesota must include the notary's name, commission number, and expiration date. This ensures that the seal is used properly and that the notary's credentials are clearly identifiable on the notarized document.
A notary public in Minnesota must avoid any conflicts of interest, including notarizing documents where they have a financial stake. This helps maintain impartiality and prevent fraud.
