In California, a notary public is an individual appointed by the state government to act as a witness to the signing of important legal documents, such as deeds, contracts, or affidavits. Their role is to verify the identity of the signers and ensure they are signing the document willingly and without duress. Notaries play a vital role in preventing fraud in transactions that involve high-value assets or sensitive information. By having impartial and trustworthy notaries overseeing the signing process, individuals and businesses can have greater confidence in the authenticity and legality of their documents.