Which statement best describes the notary's authority?

• A. Notaries have unlimited authority.
• B. Notaries must stay within their authority and follow applicable laws; otherwise acts may be invalid.
• C. Notaries can certify any document regardless of context.
• D. Notaries only verify signatures.

Answer: (B)

Notarial power is limited to specific acts defined by statute and by the notary’s commission. A notary must perform only those acts and follow the applicable laws; if they act beyond their authorized powers or ignore the rules, the notarization can be invalid or challenged, and the notary may face disciplinary consequences. This is why staying within authority and adhering to the law is the best description of a notary’s role.

The other ideas are off the mark because notaries do not have unlimited powers, they cannot certify any document in any context, and their duties go beyond merely verifying signatures (they also administer oaths, take acknowledgments, and perform other authorized notarial acts).