Sentence:  Although signed by a <WSD>notary</WSD> in New York, it lacked a physical description or documentation. It could have been issued to anyone, or resold to anyone willing to change his name. 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  A lay notary public, who serves as an impartial witness to the signing of important documents, but who is "not" authorised to practise law.