What does "signature witnessing" involve?

Signature witnessing involves the notary observing the signer as they sign a document. This process ensures that the notary can confirm the identity of the signer and that the signing was done willingly and without any coercion. By witnessing the signature, the notary serves as a neutral third party who can affirm that the individual who has signed the document is indeed the same person who presented themselves for notarization. This practice provides an extra layer of security and authenticity to the document, which is important in legal and business transactions.

In contrast, attesting that a document is a true copy pertains to the notary's role in certifying copies rather than witnessing signatures. Collecting a fee for notarial services is a procedural aspect of the notarial role but is not directly related to the act of signature witnessing. Providing legal advice is outside the notary's authorized functions, as notaries are meant to facilitate the signing process and verify identities, not offer legal counsel.