A notary public is a commissioned official who performs notarial acts. Those acts typically include acknowledgments, jurats, and oaths or affirmations. The purpose is to deter fraud by confirming that a signer appeared, was identified, and signed willingly.
The notary completes a notarial certificate on or attached to the document. That certificate describes the act performed. The notary does not decide whether the document is a good idea, whether it is legally sufficient, or which act you should request.
If you are unsure what the receiving party needs, ask that organization before your appointment. Bring identification and the unsigned document when the act requires signing in the notary’s presence.