AL Notary Acknowledgments and Jurats 2

Question 1

What distinguishes an oath from an affirmation in Alabama notarial practice?

Accepted Answer

An oath is a solemn pledge invoking a higher power; an affirmation is a secular pledge

Answer

An affirmation requires a Bible while an oath does not

Answer

An oath is only used for government documents

Answer

There is no legal distinction between the two

Question 2

An Alabama notary is asked to complete an acknowledgment for a corporation. Who must appear before the notary?

Accepted Answer

An authorized officer or agent of the corporation

Answer

All corporate shareholders

Answer

The registered agent listed with the Secretary of State

Answer

Any employee of the corporation

Question 3

In Alabama, a notary who completes a jurat must administer the oath:

Accepted Answer

Verbally, in the presence of the signer

Answer

In writing only

Answer

Via telephone if the signer is unavailable

Answer

After the document has been filed with the court

Question 4

Which document type most commonly uses a jurat in Alabama?

Accepted Answer

Affidavits

Answer

Real estate deeds

Answer

Vehicle titles

Answer

Wills

Question 5

An Alabama notary may NOT complete a notarial act if:

Accepted Answer

The signer is unable to communicate with the notary

Answer

The document is more than 10 pages long

Answer

The signer is under 18 years of age

Answer

The document will be used in another state

Question 6

When is it appropriate for an Alabama notary to use the phrase 'sworn to and subscribed before me'?

Accepted Answer

When completing a jurat for an affidavit or sworn statement

Answer

When completing an acknowledgment for a deed

Answer

When witnessing a will

Answer

When certifying a copy of a document