A notary public exists for one core purpose: to act as an impartial, state-appointed witness confirming that the person signing an important document is actually who they claim to be — a safeguard specifically designed to deter fraud on documents where the stakes are high. * You'll typically need a notary for major life-event paperwork: wills, powers of attorney, property deeds when buying or selling real estate, contracts, and sworn affidavits submitted to a court or institution. Other common triggers include authorizing someone to act on your behalf financially, or getting a document validated for a bank, university, or employer — even something like a letter authorizing a minor to travel internationally without both parents often requires notarization. * The process itself is quick: you appear in person (in most states) with valid photo ID, sign the document in front of the notary, and they verify your identity and apply their official seal or stamp, confirming they witnessed the signature. * Finding one is rarely difficult — many banks offer notary services to customers, often for free, and other common locations include UPS Store locations, public libraries, AAA branches, and many college and university offices. * Cost is modest when it isn't free: typically $5 to $15 per notarized signature, though the exact fee is capped and regulated differently by each state, so a notary can't simply charge whatever they want for the service.