In Michigan, a notary public is an officer appointed by the Michigan Secretary of State. Commissioned notaries have power to attest to the authenticity of a person's signature, to administer oaths, to take affidavits and to perform other legal acts.  Notaries are not allowed to perform marriage ceremonies in the State of Michigan.

Notarization on a document certifies that the person named on it appeared before the notary, displayed valid identification and signed the document in the notary's presence.