What must a notary in Ohio do when certifying documents?

When certifying documents, a notary in Ohio is required to administer oaths and certify acknowledgments. This process involves verifying the identity of the individuals signing the documents and ensuring that they are doing so willingly and without coercion. The notary's primary role is to add a layer of authenticity to transactions by confirming that the signatures on documents are genuine and made in the appropriate context.

Providing legal advice is outside the scope of a notary's responsibilities, as they are not licensed attorneys and should not offer interpretations of the law or legal counsel. Similarly, creating new laws is the responsibility of legislative bodies and not a function of a notarial role. Representing clients in legal matters also falls outside a notary's duties, as their function is administrative rather than legal advocacy. Therefore, administering oaths and certifying acknowledgments is the essential task that aligns with the notary’s role in ensuring the integrity of the document certification process in Ohio.