Document authentication is the process of verifying the legitimacy of a document to ensure it is genuine and not forged. This can involve checking signatures, seals, and other identifying features. Commonly used in legal, financial, and governmental contexts, document authentication helps prevent fraud and maintain trust in important records. Methods of document authentication can include physical examination, digital verification, and the use of technologies like QR codes or blockchain. Professionals such as notaries or forensic document examiners often perform these checks to confirm the authenticity of documents like contracts, certificates, and identification papers.