notary public

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "notary public" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to a person authorized to perform notarial acts, such as witnessing signatures or certifying documents. An example: "I need to have this document signed by a notary public." Alternative expressions include "notary" and "public notary."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Where's a notary public?

The New York Times

Talk story about becoming a notary public.

The New Yorker

Cynthia Hanscom, a notary public, officiated.

The New York Times

William B. Muñoz, a notary public there, officiated.

The New York Times

A witness and notary public seal are recommended.

The New York Times - Travel

David Levine, a notary public in Boynton Beach, Fla., officiated.

The New York Times

I make my living as a notary public.

The New Yorker

Margo Davis, a notary public, will sign the marriage certificate.

The New York Times - Style

As of 2018, Catherine will be a Notary Public.

Yale University

A judicial scrivener, or notary public, investigates the property's history of ownership and registers its change.

The New York Times

Some were signed without a notary public present, in violation of state law.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always present valid identification when seeking notarial services from a "notary public".

Common error

Avoid seeking legal advice from a "notary public". Their role is limited to verifying identity and witnessing signatures, not providing legal counsel.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "notary public" functions as a noun phrase, identifying a specific type of public official. According to Ludwig, it is used to denote an officer authorized to administer oaths, witness documents, and perform other related acts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

32%

News & Media

30%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Science

32%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "notary public" is a common noun phrase referring to a legally authorized officer who can administer oaths and certify documents. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across diverse sources, particularly in news, media, and legal contexts. When writing, remember that a "notary public" verifies identities and witnesses signatures but does not provide legal advice. For alternative expressions, consider "licensed notary" or "certifying officer". Ludwig provides ample examples to ensure accurate and confident usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

licensed notary

Focuses on the licensing aspect of a notary public's role.

commissioned notary

Focuses on the commissioning of a notary public.

certifying officer

Emphasizes the officer's function of certifying documents.

qualified notary

Emphasizes the qualification needed to act as a notary.

document witness

Highlights the role of witnessing signatures on documents.

signing agent

Highlights the function of a notary in witnessing signatures, often in real estate contexts.

oath administrator

Focuses on the function of administering oaths.

legal witness

Emphasizes the legal validity of the witnessing.

official witness

Underscores the official capacity of the witness.

authorized witness

Highlights the authorization to act as a witness.

FAQs

How to use "notary public" in a sentence?

A "notary public" is a public official authorized to witness signatures on legal documents. For example: "I need to find a "notary public" to notarize my will."

What are the duties of a "notary public"?

A "notary public" primarily verifies the identity of signers, witnesses signatures, and administers oaths. Their duties ensure the authenticity of documents and prevent fraud.

Where can I find a "notary public"?

You can typically find a "notary public" at banks, credit unions, law offices, real estate agencies, and some postal service locations. Online directories can also help locate nearby notaries.

Is a "notary public" a lawyer?

No, a "notary public" is not necessarily a lawyer. While lawyers can also be notaries, the role of a "notary public" is distinct from that of a legal advisor.