What is NOT a duty of a notary public?

In the context of the responsibilities of a notary public, certifying copies of documents is indeed a function that is generally permitted, depending on state laws. However, verifying the contents of a document is not a duty associated with a notary public.

Notaries serve primarily to witness signatures, ensuring that the person signing a document is who they say they are and that they are signing willingly. They also administer oaths, affirming the truth of statements made by individuals. The role of a notary does not extend to verifying the actual contents within a document; rather, they focus on the authenticity of the signature and the acknowledgment of the signing party.

This distinction helps clarify the boundaries of a notary's functions and emphasizes their role in preventing fraud and ensuring the proper execution of legal documents, without delving into the substantive details of the documents themselves.