Notaries Public are "commissioned" (i.e., licensed) by the Secretary of State. Notarial functions include:

• administering oaths and affirmations;

• taking affidavits and depositions;

• receiving and certifying acknowledgments or proof of such written instruments as deeds, mortgages and powers of attorney; and;

• demanding acceptance or payment of foreign and inland bills of exchange, promissory notes and obligations in writing, and protesting the same for non-payment