What defines a "notary public" in Nevada?

In Nevada, a notary public is defined as a public officer commissioned to perform notarial acts. This means that the individual is officially appointed by the state to carry out specific duties that include witnessing signatures, administering oaths, and certifying the authenticity of documents. The term "commissioned" indicates that a notary public holds an official authorization from the state, which is a critical aspect of their role in verifying identities and ensuring the integrity of documents.

The responsibilities of a notary public are tied to public interest and trust. They must adhere to a strict set of laws and regulations designed to prevent fraud, protect the parties involved in a transaction, and enhance the reliability of public records.

In contrast, while witnessing signatures is indeed a part of what notaries do, that alone does not fully encompass the scope of their duties or the qualifications required. A notary public's role is broader than that of merely witnessing; it involves a certification process and adherence to legal protocols, which is what the definition in the correct answer captures.

Additionally, a private individual authorized to notarize documents doesn't accurately reflect the public nature of the role, as it downplays the importance of their commission from the state and their obligations to uphold public trust. Similarly, defining