A notary public is a person authorized by the government to perform certain legal formalities, primarily to witness signatures on documents. Their main role is to prevent fraud by verifying the identity of the signers and ensuring that they are signing willingly and without coercion. Notaries often work with documents like contracts, wills, and property deeds. In addition to witnessing signatures, a notary public can also administer oaths and affirmations, and certify copies of documents. Their services are commonly used in legal, financial, and real estate transactions, providing an essential layer of trust and authenticity in important agreements.