What is meant by a "notarial act"?

A "notarial act" refers to any action undertaken by a notary public that is specifically authorized under the law. This encompasses a variety of responsibilities that a notary undertakes, such as attesting the validity of signatures, administering oaths, and taking acknowledgments. The key function of a notary public is to serve as an impartial witness to the signing of important documents, ensuring that the signers are who they claim to be and that they understand the contents of the documents they are signing.

By working within the lawful scope of their duties, notaries help prevent fraud and add a layer of security to transactions and legal documents. Thus, the definition of a notarial act aligns squarely with the authority granted to notaries under the law, embodying their role in facilitating legal processes in a trusted and official capacity.