Notary Public in the DR is NOT the same animal
Sorry folks, but you don't understand things in the DR.
Here in the DR, a Notary Public MUST also be a lawyer, because here in the DR, they are not just certifying that the person signing is the person who is signing, they are ALSO certifying that the document is a LEGAL, binding document.
If it's not, the Notario GOES TO JAIL. He has to ensure that the document conformd to Dominican laws regarding the document.
I think I prefer it here, rather than how things are in the US , where ANYBODY can be a Notary Public, and charges $5 for their stamp - all they care about is the $5.
The Notary in the US Consulate CANNOT notarize a DR document, either.