In many Latin American countries a notario, or notary, is the equivalent of an attorney. In others, the title denotes someone who is a public official with quasi-judicial power. However, in the United States, a notario is simply someone legally empowered to witness and certify documents and take affidavits. They are not licensed to practice law.
In most heavily Latino U.S. communities, notarios knowingly advertise themselves as accepted practitioners of law.
