A document may be notarized to deter fraud and to ensure that the document is legally valid. Some examples (but not limited to) of when a document might need to be notarized include:

• When signing a contract or agreement, to ensure that all parties have agreed to the terms

• When transferring ownership of property, to confirm that the transfer is legitimate

• When applying for a passport or other official government document, to verify the identity of the applicant

• When creating a will or other legal document, to ensure that it is properly executed

In general, a notary public is a person who is authorized to witness the signing of a document and to confirm the identity of the signer. The notary's signature and stamp serve as an official verification that the document is genuine.