Here’s What You Need to Know.. A notary public plays a crucial role in ensuring the authenticity and integrity of legal documents. One of their key functions is to certify true copies of original documents, making them legally recognized and admissible in official transactions. Legal Basis for Notarial Certification Under the 2004 Rules on Notarial Practice, a notary public is authorized to authenticate and certify documents. The Supreme Court, in A.C. No. 12289, affirmed that notarization grants documents legal weight and presumption of authenticity, making them reliable in court and official transactions. However, certain documents—such as a last will and testament—have additional legal requirements beyond notarization (G.R. No. 225696). The principal function of a notary public is to authenticate documents. When a notary public certifies the due execution and delivery of a document under his hand and seal he thereby gives such a document the force of evidence. PLEASE click-ads (Orange box) below to support our pages! Why Notarial Certification Matters ✔ Prevents Fraud – Ensures the document is authentic and unaltered. ✔ Adds Legal Credibility – Certified copies are legally recognized. ✔ Required in Transactions – Banks, courts, and government agencies often require notarized documents. For legal transactions, always seek the services of a duly commissioned notary public to ensure your documents are properly certified, legally recognized, and protected from disputes. PLEASE click-ads (Orange box) below to support our pages!