What is a Notary Public?

The Notary's term of office is four years and is applicable state-wide. Notaries in Mississippi are appointed by the Secretary of State. As the name implies, a Notary Public is a public officer located in the community so that he or she may be of service to the public. Our laws consider instruments of such importance that they must be signed by the maker in the presence of a public officer.

The Notary's primary duty is to show that the signer of a document understands what he/she is signing and has declared that his/her identity and signature are genuine. The purpose is to prevent fraud and forgery. The Notary is not authorized to practice law or give legal advice. The Notary may not take acknowledgments over the telephone or take an acknowledgment because he recognized the signature or a friend states that it is the person's signature. If appointed, you must never take an acknowledgment unless the acknowledger appears before you, otherwise, the whole purpose is defeated. Remember: The Notary's duty is to prevent fraud and forgery.