What is the role of a witness in a notarization process?

In the notarization process, the role of a witness is to confirm the presence of the signer when they are signing the document. This is especially important in situations where the notary public is unable to immediately verify the identity of the signer or when additional assurance is needed regarding the authenticity of the transaction. The witness provides an extra layer of verification, reinforcing that the signer was indeed present and willingly affixed their signature.

It's essential to understand that while the witness may be present to observe, their primary function is to support the notary's process by affirming the signer's identity rather than performing other tasks such as signing the document themselves or notarizing it. In fact, a witness typically does not have the authority to notarize a document; that is expressly the role of the notary. Moreover, requirements for a witness vary by state and are not universally necessary in all notarizations, highlighting that while a witness can be crucial in certain contexts, they are not always required.