Connecticut Notary Public Exam — Questions and Answers

Question 1: Can a Connecticut notary perform a RON for a signer physically located outside the United States?

Yes, if the notarial act is lawful under Connecticut law and the signer is properly identified (Correct answer)
No, RON is only available for US residents
Yes, but only if the signer is a US citizen abroad
No, unless the notary travels to the signer's location

Correct answer: Yes, if the notarial act is lawful under Connecticut law and the signer is properly identified

Connecticut RON allows notarization of signers located outside the US provided the notarial act is permitted under CT law and identity is properly verified.

Question 2: A notary's employer directs the notary to notarize a document in which the notary is personally named as a recipient of funds. The notary should:

Comply if the employer signs as a witness
Comply but file a complaint afterward
Comply because employers control workplace notarizations
Refuse despite the employer's instruction, because employer pressure cannot override disqualification (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Refuse despite the employer's instruction, because employer pressure cannot override disqualification

A notary's legal duties are personal and cannot be overridden by an employer's demand.

Question 3: A Connecticut notary performs notarizations in both Hartford and New Haven counties on the same day. How should the venue be documented?

Each certificate should state the county where that particular notarization actually occurred (Correct answer)
All certificates may say Hartford since the commission is statewide
Venue may be omitted when traveling
Use the county of the notary's residence on all certificates

Correct answer: Each certificate should state the county where that particular notarization actually occurred

Although Connecticut notaries have statewide jurisdiction, each certificate's venue must truthfully state where that act took place.

Question 4: A remote signer asks the notary to verify identity over a phone call and notarize the document later. The notary should:

Agree and note 'identified by phone' in the certificate
Agree if the signer emails a copy of her ID
Agree if a credible witness joins the call
Refuse, because the signer must personally appear for identification and notarization (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Refuse, because the signer must personally appear for identification and notarization

Identity must be verified with the signer personally appearing before the notary at the time of notarization.

Question 5: For a jurat, when must the signer sign the document relative to appearing before the Connecticut notary?

Anytime within the prior year
In the notary's presence at the time the oath or affirmation is administered (Correct answer)
After the notary has already completed the certificate
Before arriving, so the notary saves time

Correct answer: In the notary's presence at the time the oath or affirmation is administered

A jurat requires the signer to sign in the notary's presence and swear or affirm to the truth of the contents.

Question 6: A notary uses an electronic journal application. Which feature is MOST important for the record's integrity?

A colorful user interface with animations
The ability to edit past entries without any trace
Entries that are tamper-evident and cannot be silently altered or deleted (Correct answer)
Automatic posting of entries to social media

Correct answer: Entries that are tamper-evident and cannot be silently altered or deleted

An electronic journal must be tamper-evident so any change to a past entry is detectable, mirroring the security of a bound paper book.

Question 7: A Connecticut notary signs a certificate but forgets to add the commission expiration date. What is the best description of this certificate?

Valid, as long as a seal was applied
Valid, because the expiration date is optional
Defective, because the expiration date is a required element (Correct answer)
Void only if the document is recorded out of state

Correct answer: Defective, because the expiration date is a required element

Omitting the commission expiration date makes the certificate defective because it is a required element of a Connecticut notarial certificate.

Question 8: When a Connecticut notary performs a RON, where is the notarization legally considered to have taken place?

In the county listed on the document being notarized
Where the notary is physically located (Correct answer)
Where the RON platform's servers are hosted
Where the signer is physically located

Correct answer: Where the notary is physically located

For a Connecticut RON, the notarization is legally deemed to have taken place in the jurisdiction where the notary is physically present.

Question 9: During a jurat, what must the signer do in the notary's presence?

Only present identification
Provide two witnesses
Only verbally approve the contents
Sign the document and take an oath or affirmation (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Sign the document and take an oath or affirmation

A jurat requires the signer to sign in the notary's presence and swear or affirm that the contents are true.

Question 10: If a signer is physically unable to sign, Connecticut practice for completing the acknowledgment may involve:

The signer directing another person to sign on their behalf in their presence (Correct answer)
The notary signing the signer's name secretly
Using a photocopied signature from an older document
Skipping the signature since the person appeared

Correct answer: The signer directing another person to sign on their behalf in their presence

Signature by direction lets a disabled signer authorize another to sign in their and the notary's presence, preserving the act's validity.

Question 11: What is a notarization involving an attorney-in-fact (power of attorney)?

Powers of attorney cannot be used for notarized documents
The attorney-in-fact signs on behalf of the principal, and the notary must verify the attorney-in-fact's identity and authority (Correct answer)
The notary acts as the attorney
The principal must be present even with a power of attorney

Correct answer: The attorney-in-fact signs on behalf of the principal, and the notary must verify the attorney-in-fact's identity and authority

When an attorney-in-fact signs under a power of attorney, the notary verifies the attorney-in-fact's identity and confirms they have authority under the POA to sign for the principal.

Question 12: What is one of the primary responsibilities of a notary public regarding legal documents?

To draft legal documents for the parties involved.
To provide legal advice on the content of the documents.
To guarantee the accuracy of the information contained in the documents.
To ensure that all parties involved understand the contents of the documents being notarized. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To ensure that all parties involved understand the contents of the documents being notarized.

While notaries cannot provide legal advice, they have a crucial responsibility to ensure that the signer appears to understand the nature and purpose of the document they are signing. If a signer seems confused or unsure, the notary should advise them to seek legal counsel. This helps prevent fraud, ensures the signer is acting knowingly and voluntarily, and upholds the integrity of the notarial act.

Question 13: Why should a Connecticut notary compare the signature on the document with the signature on the presented ID?

It helps confirm the ID belongs to the person signing (Correct answer)
It is required to calculate the fee
It replaces the need to check the photo
It determines the document's legal validity

Correct answer: It helps confirm the ID belongs to the person signing

Comparing signatures is an additional check that the ID actually belongs to the person appearing before the notary.

Question 14: Why is it important that the name a Connecticut notary signs on a certificate match the name on their commission?

The seal will not fit otherwise
A mismatched name can cause the notarization to be rejected because the notary's authority cannot be verified (Correct answer)
It affects the fee the notary may charge
State law requires notaries to use only initials

Correct answer: A mismatched name can cause the notarization to be rejected because the notary's authority cannot be verified

Recorders and verifiers compare the signed name to the commission on file, so a mismatch can cause rejection of the notarization.

Question 15: A notary makes an error while writing a journal entry. What is the correct way to fix it?

Erase the error completely so the entry looks clean
Tear out the page and rewrite the whole entry
Draw a single line through the error, write the correction, and initial it (Correct answer)
Use correction fluid to cover the mistake

Correct answer: Draw a single line through the error, write the correction, and initial it

Corrections should be made with a single line-through and initials so the original entry remains legible and the record stays trustworthy.

Question 16: For all Connecticut notarial acts including electronic ones, what must the notary verify about the signer?

That the signer owns the property referenced in the document
That the signer is willing, competent, and not acting under duress (Correct answer)
That the signer has paid the applicable notarial fee
That the signer has legal representation present

Correct answer: That the signer is willing, competent, and not acting under duress

For all notarial acts, including electronic ones, the notary must verify that the signer is willing, competent, and not acting under duress.

Question 17: A credible witness is being used to identify a signer. Which additional step should the notary take with the witness?

Administer an oath or affirmation to the witness regarding the signer's identity (Correct answer)
Photocopy the witness's fingerprints
Collect a separate notarization fee from the witness
Require the witness to co-sign the underlying document

Correct answer: Administer an oath or affirmation to the witness regarding the signer's identity

The credible witness should be placed under oath or affirmation to vouch truthfully for the signer's identity.

Question 18: How long is a Connecticut notary public commission valid?

4 years
1 year
5 years (Correct answer)
2 years

Correct answer: 5 years

A Connecticut notary commission is valid for a term of 5 years from the date of appointment.

Question 19: A Connecticut notary commissioned as a resident later moves out of state. What happens to their commission?

It is automatically revoked upon relocation
It remains valid until expiration regardless of where they live
It converts to a 1-year temporary commission
They may retain it if they continue to have a principal place of employment in Connecticut (Correct answer)

Correct answer: They may retain it if they continue to have a principal place of employment in Connecticut

A notary who moves out of Connecticut may retain their commission only if they continue to have a principal place of employment in Connecticut.

Question 20: A signer asks the notary to keep the contents of a notarized business contract secret from the signer's partner. Ethically, the notary should:

Post a summary in the journal available to anyone
Require both partners to sign before notarizing
Inform the partner immediately
Not disclose document contents to third parties, as confidentiality of contents is expected absent legal compulsion (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Not disclose document contents to third parties, as confidentiality of contents is expected absent legal compulsion

A notary should not gossip about or disclose private document contents unless required by law.

Question 21: What is the purpose of 'tamper-evident technology' required in Connecticut electronic notarizations?

To track the notary's physical location during the act
To prevent the notary from charging excess fees
To encrypt the signer's personal identification number
To detect any changes made to the document after notarization (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To detect any changes made to the document after notarization

Tamper-evident technology ensures that any post-notarization alterations to an electronic document can be detected, preserving document integrity.

Question 22: A document notarized two years ago is now the subject of a lawsuit alleging forgery. How does the notary's journal help?

It automatically proves the document is genuine
It allows the notary to refuse to testify
It transfers all liability to the signer
It provides evidence of what occurred, including how the signer was identified (Correct answer)

Correct answer: It provides evidence of what occurred, including how the signer was identified

A detailed journal entry is powerful evidence that the notary followed proper procedures, including identification of the signer.

Question 23: Why is it improper for a notary to notarize a signature for someone who is not present, even when a family member presents the absent person's valid ID?

Identity, willingness, and the act of acknowledgment can only be verified from the signer personally, not through an intermediary (Correct answer)
Absent signers must send certified mail first
IDs may only be handled by their owners under federal law
Family members must pay a higher fee

Correct answer: Identity, willingness, and the act of acknowledgment can only be verified from the signer personally, not through an intermediary

The notary must deal directly with the signer in person, because no intermediary can substitute for personal appearance and verification.

Question 24: A signer asks the notary to certify a photocopy of his U.S. passport. Connecticut notaries should generally:

Stamp the photocopy "certified true copy" as requested
Decline, and suggest the signer make a written declaration about the copy that the notary can then notarize (Correct answer)
Certify the copy only if it is in color
Send the copy to the Secretary of the State for certification

Correct answer: Decline, and suggest the signer make a written declaration about the copy that the notary can then notarize

Copy certification of documents like passports is not an authorized Connecticut notarial act, but the signer's own sworn statement about the copy can be notarized.

Question 25: What is typically considered an acceptable form of identification for verifying a signer's identity during a notarial act?

A handwritten note from a friend confirming the signer's identity.
A government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport. (Correct answer)
A utility bill with the signer's name and address.
A credit card or membership card with the signer's name.

Correct answer: A government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport.

Notaries are legally required to verify the identity of signers to prevent fraud and ensure the person signing is who they claim to be. Government-issued photo IDs, such as a driver's license or passport, are considered the most reliable forms of identification. These documents are issued by official agencies, contain a photograph, and often include security features that make them difficult to forge, thus providing a high level of assurance for identity verification.

Question 26: A document presented to a Connecticut notary has no notarial certificate. What is the proper response?

Ask the signer or document issuer which notarial act is required (Correct answer)
Add an acknowledgment because it is the most common act
Refuse to notarize any document lacking a certificate
Pick whichever certificate seems to fit the document best

Correct answer: Ask the signer or document issuer which notarial act is required

The notary may not choose the act for the signer because that is legal advice; the signer, issuer, or an attorney must decide.

Question 27: Which of the following would disqualify a person from becoming a Connecticut notary?

Having a civil judgment against them
Having been convicted of a felony without civil rights restored (Correct answer)
Having filed for bankruptcy
Being self-employed

Correct answer: Having been convicted of a felony without civil rights restored

A felony conviction without restoration of civil rights is a disqualifying factor for a Connecticut notary applicant.

Question 28: Who is primarily protected by a notary public's surety bond?

The notary public
The surety company
The Secretary of State
Members of the public (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Members of the public

A surety bond is designed to protect members of the public who suffer financial harm due to a notary's misconduct or negligence.

Question 29: If a signer does not have an acceptable form of ID, what alternative method can a notary use to verify their identity?

The notary should refuse to notarize the document and suggest the signer obtain ID.
The notary can accept a verbal confirmation of the signer’s identity from another person not present at the signing.
The notary may use personal knowledge of the signer or a credible witness who can vouch for the signer's identity. (Correct answer)
The notary should proceed without any verification if the signer claims they have no ID.

Correct answer: The notary may use personal knowledge of the signer or a credible witness who can vouch for the signer's identity.

When a signer lacks acceptable government-issued identification, notaries can still proceed with the notarization by relying on alternative, legally recognized methods. These include the notary's personal knowledge of the signer (if they genuinely know them) or the use of a credible identifying witness. A credible witness is an impartial person who knows the signer, possesses acceptable identification, and takes an oath or affirmation to vouch for the signer's identity, providing a legally sound alternative for verification.

Question 30: What information is typically required to be recorded in a notary's journal for each notarial act?

The social security numbers of the parties involved and the notary’s personal identification number.
The date and time of the notarial act, the type of act performed, the names of the parties, and a description of the document. (Correct answer)
The financial transactions related to the notarization and the notary’s fees.
A summary of the document’s contents and the notary’s personal opinion about the document.

Correct answer: The date and time of the notarial act, the type of act performed, the names of the parties, and a description of the document.

A notary's journal serves as a vital legal record of all notarial acts performed, providing a chronological account for accountability and legal protection. Key information such as the date and time of the act, the specific type of notarization, the names of the parties involved, and a clear description of the document is essential. This detailed record helps track, verify, and defend against potential fraud or disputes, ensuring the integrity of the notarization process.

Question 31: Which situation involves the highest risk of identity fraud that a notary's verification duty is designed to prevent?

An impostor executing a deed transferring someone else's real property (Correct answer)
A document written in a foreign language
A signer asking for two copies of a certificate
A signer acknowledging a document he wrote himself

Correct answer: An impostor executing a deed transferring someone else's real property

Impostors forging property transfers are a classic fraud that careful identity verification by notaries is meant to stop.

Question 32: A signer hands the notary a self-proving will affidavit that must be "sworn to." The signer says, "Just stamp it, we're in a hurry." The notary should:

Sign the certificate but leave the oath for later
Administer the oath and watch the signing before completing the jurat (Correct answer)
Stamp it since the signer accepted responsibility
Complete an acknowledgment instead to save time

Correct answer: Administer the oath and watch the signing before completing the jurat

Skipping the oath or the in-presence signing makes the jurat false and exposes the notary to liability.

Question 33: The certificate on a document is written in a language the Connecticut notary cannot read. What should the notary do?

Decline to complete it and attach a certificate in a language the notary understands, if appropriate (Correct answer)
Sign it anyway since certificates are standard
Ask the signer to translate it orally and rely on that
White-out the foreign wording and sign below

Correct answer: Decline to complete it and attach a certificate in a language the notary understands, if appropriate

A notary should never sign certificate wording they cannot read and may instead attach a proper certificate they understand.

Question 34: A Connecticut notary receives a subpoena for records of a notarization they performed. What is the appropriate response?

Destroy the records to protect the signer
Comply with the lawful subpoena and provide the requested records (Correct answer)
Refer the subpoena to the original signer for permission
Ignore it because notary records are confidential

Correct answer: Comply with the lawful subpoena and provide the requested records

Notarial acts are official records, and a notary must comply with lawful court orders and subpoenas.

Question 35: A minor needs a school-related affidavit notarized and presents a valid passport. May the Connecticut notary proceed?

Only with a court guardian present
No, persons under 18 may never sign notarized documents
Yes, if the minor is properly identified, understands the document, and signs willingly (Correct answer)
Only if a parent co-signs the notarial certificate

Correct answer: Yes, if the minor is properly identified, understands the document, and signs willingly

There is no blanket ban on notarizing for minors; identification, awareness, and willingness are the controlling factors.

Question 36: A Connecticut notary completes a jurat certificate. Which wording typically appears in the certificate?

"Certified true and correct by me"
"Witnessed and delivered by me"
"Acknowledged before me"
"Subscribed and sworn to before me" (Correct answer)

Correct answer: "Subscribed and sworn to before me"

Jurat certificates use "subscribed and sworn to (or affirmed) before me," reflecting the signing and oath performed in the notary's presence.

Question 37: When can a Connecticut notary begin the renewal process for their commission?

Only after the commission expires
Exactly on the expiration date
Within 90 days before the expiration date (Correct answer)
At any time during the five-year term

Correct answer: Within 90 days before the expiration date

A Connecticut notary may begin the renewal process within 90 days prior to expiration to ensure continuous notarial authority.

Question 38: A hospital patient who is heavily sedated needs a power of attorney notarized urgently, according to her family. The notary should:

Postpone or refuse unless the patient is lucid enough to demonstrate awareness and willingness (Correct answer)
Proceed because of the medical urgency
Let the family answer the notary's questions on her behalf
Notarize with a doctor's note attached

Correct answer: Postpone or refuse unless the patient is lucid enough to demonstrate awareness and willingness

The signer personally must demonstrate awareness and willingness; sedation that prevents this requires the notary to refuse or wait.

Question 39: A document presented to a Connecticut notary has no notarial certificate wording at all. What should the notary do?

Ask the signer or document custodian which act is needed, then attach the appropriate certificate (Correct answer)
Draft complex legal wording tailored to the transaction's legal effect
Notarize with only a signature and seal
Refuse to notarize any document lacking pre-printed wording

Correct answer: Ask the signer or document custodian which act is needed, then attach the appropriate certificate

The signer chooses the type of act, and the notary may then attach a proper acknowledgment or jurat certificate; the notary may not choose for them or give legal advice.

Question 40: A Connecticut notary legally changes their name. Which record-keeping step is required?

Surrender the commission and wait five years
Only update the bank signature card
Notify the Secretary of the State of the name change as required (Correct answer)
Simply start signing with the new name immediately with no notice

Correct answer: Notify the Secretary of the State of the name change as required

A name change must be reported to the Secretary of the State so commission records stay accurate.

Question 41: Which technology requirement must a Connecticut RON platform meet?

It must be operated from a server physically located in Connecticut
It must be approved or accepted by the Secretary of the State (Correct answer)
It must be approved by the IRS
It must use blockchain technology exclusively

Correct answer: It must be approved or accepted by the Secretary of the State

Connecticut RON platforms must be approved or accepted by the Secretary of the State to ensure they meet security and reliability standards.

Question 42: A Connecticut notary's business card reads "Notary Public & Legal Consultant." What is the problem?

Notaries must list their commission expiration on cards
There is no problem if the card is accurate about the commission
It implies the notary can provide legal services, misleading the public (Correct answer)
Business cards may not mention the notary title

Correct answer: It implies the notary can provide legal services, misleading the public

Advertising as a "legal consultant" suggests authority to give legal advice, which a non-attorney notary lacks.

Question 43: What is the safest general rule for a Connecticut notary asked any question beginning with "What does this document mean..."?

Refer the signer to a licensed attorney (Correct answer)
Consult the internet and relay the findings
Answer only for documents under five pages
Answer if the notary has notarized similar documents before

Correct answer: Refer the signer to a licensed attorney

Any question about a document's meaning or effect calls for legal advice, so referral to an attorney is the safe response.

Question 44: What is 'remote online notarization' (RON) in Connecticut?

Notarization conducted entirely by mail
Notarization where the signer and notary are in different locations and use real-time audio-video technology (Correct answer)
Notarization performed via fax or email
Notarization of electronic documents while the parties are in the same room

Correct answer: Notarization where the signer and notary are in different locations and use real-time audio-video technology

RON allows a Connecticut notary and signer to complete a notarization remotely using real-time two-way audio-video communication technology.

Question 45: Which scenario shows a notary correctly using layered identity verification?

Relying on the office receptionist's nod of recognition
Accepting any ID as long as two are presented
Accepting a passport without opening it because passports are trustworthy
Checking a current passport, comparing the photo and signature, and asking the signer to confirm details on the ID (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Checking a current passport, comparing the photo and signature, and asking the signer to confirm details on the ID

Careful examination of a valid ID combined with photo, signature, and detail confirmation is thorough identification practice.

Question 46: What is the purpose of a notary certificate?

To replace the notary's signature on the document
To certify that the document's content is accurate
To document the details of the notarial act including date, type, and signer identification (Correct answer)
To serve as a receipt for the notary fee

Correct answer: To document the details of the notarial act including date, type, and signer identification

The notary certificate records essential details of the notarization including the date, type of act performed, how the signer was identified, and the notary's signature and seal.

Question 47: A signer asks a Connecticut notary whether her power of attorney will still be valid after she moves to Florida. The notary should:

Assure her it is valid nationwide
Tell her it becomes void when she moves
Refer her to an attorney because this requires a legal opinion (Correct answer)
Notarize a new copy to make it valid in Florida

Correct answer: Refer her to an attorney because this requires a legal opinion

Opining on a document's validity in another jurisdiction is legal advice reserved for attorneys.

Question 48: A Connecticut notary's surety bond is best described as which of the following?

A government savings account funded by the notary's commission fees
A voluntary pledge that the notary will follow state law
A license certification demonstrating the notary's professional competence
A financial guarantee that compensates the public for valid claims arising from notary misconduct (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A financial guarantee that compensates the public for valid claims arising from notary misconduct

A surety bond is a three-party financial guarantee ensuring that members of the public can be compensated if the notary's misconduct causes them harm.

Question 49: During an acknowledgment, the notary must be satisfied of all the following EXCEPT:

The identity of the signer
That the signer appeared personally
That the signature was made willingly
That the statements in the document are factually true (Correct answer)

Correct answer: That the statements in the document are factually true

A notary never certifies the truth of a document's contents in an acknowledgment, only identity, appearance, and willingness.

Question 50: A signer hands a Connecticut notary a partially blank will and asks the notary to fill in the missing provisions. The notary should:

Fill in the blanks using standard language
Refuse, because drafting or completing legal document terms is the practice of law (Correct answer)
Charge an extra fee for the drafting service
Complete it only if the signer dictates the words

Correct answer: Refuse, because drafting or completing legal document terms is the practice of law

Filling in substantive terms of a legal document constitutes drafting, which only licensed attorneys may do.

Question 51: Which of the following is NOT a ground for the Secretary of the State to revoke a Connecticut notary's commission?

Moving out of state while maintaining principal employment in Connecticut (Correct answer)
Conviction of a felony
Charging more than the maximum allowable fee
Willful neglect of notarial duty

Correct answer: Moving out of state while maintaining principal employment in Connecticut

Moving out of state while maintaining principal employment in Connecticut is expressly permitted and does not constitute grounds for revocation.

Question 52: A mobile Connecticut notary wants to charge a flat $40 "service fee" that bundles the notarization and travel without itemizing. What is the safest practice?

Itemize the act fee and mileage separately so each stays within its statutory limit (Correct answer)
Charge the flat fee but only for real estate documents
Call the entire amount a tip to avoid the fee statute
Charge the flat fee since bundling hides any overage

Correct answer: Itemize the act fee and mileage separately so each stays within its statutory limit

Itemizing shows that the notarial act fee does not exceed $5.00 and travel is billed at the lawful mileage rate.

Question 53: A signer presents a document with several blank spaces and asks for it to be notarized as-is. The notary should:

Notarize only the completed pages
Ask the signer to complete the blanks or strike through them before notarizing (Correct answer)
Fill in the blanks personally with reasonable guesses
Notarize and let the signer fill in the blanks later

Correct answer: Ask the signer to complete the blanks or strike through them before notarizing

Notarizing a document with blanks invites later fraud, so blanks should be filled or lined through first.

Question 54: A document names the signer as 'Jonathan A. Smith' but his license reads 'Jon Smith.' The safest course for the notary is to:

Refuse outright because names never match
Alter the document to say 'Jon Smith'
Look for additional evidence that both names refer to the same person before proceeding (Correct answer)
Notarize since 'Jon' is obviously short for 'Jonathan'

Correct answer: Look for additional evidence that both names refer to the same person before proceeding

The notary should resolve name variations with supporting evidence rather than assume or alter the document.

Question 55: If a notary has any reasonable doubt about a signer's identity after reviewing the ID presented, the notary should:

Proceed but add a disclaimer to the certificate
Notarize and report the doubt to the town clerk afterward
Ask the signer to sign twice for comparison
Refuse to perform the notarization until identity is satisfactorily established (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Refuse to perform the notarization until identity is satisfactorily established

A notary must not notarize when identity cannot be established to the notary's satisfaction.

Question 56: A caller asks the notary to notarize a signature that was made yesterday on a jurat. The notary should explain that:

The signer can mail the document with a copy of ID
Any signature within 30 days may be accepted
The jurat can be converted to a certified copy instead
A jurat requires the signer to sign, or re-sign, in the notary's presence while taking the oath (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A jurat requires the signer to sign, or re-sign, in the notary's presence while taking the oath

A jurat requires signing in the notary's presence under oath, so a prior signature must be re-executed before the notary.

Question 57: What information must be included on a Connecticut notary public's official seal?

The date of the notarization only
The notary's name, state, commission number, and commission expiration date (Correct answer)
Only the notary's name
The county of commission only

Correct answer: The notary's name, state, commission number, and commission expiration date

A Connecticut notary seal must include the notary's legal name, the state name, commission number, and commission expiration date to validate the notarial act.

Question 58: Which of the following best describes the role of the surety company when a valid claim is filed against a notary's bond?

The surety mediates a settlement but does not pay claims
The surety forwards the claim to the Secretary of State for payment
The surety only provides legal advice and does not pay financial claims
The surety investigates the claim, may pay it, and then seeks repayment from the notary (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The surety investigates the claim, may pay it, and then seeks repayment from the notary

The surety company investigates the claim and, if valid, pays the harmed party, after which the surety has the right to seek full repayment from the notary.

Question 59: A signer presents a driver's license that expired two years ago. What should the Connecticut notary do?

Accept it because it still shows a photo
Notarize but note the expiration in the certificate
Decline it and request a current, unexpired form of identification (Correct answer)
Accept it if the signer also shows a credit card

Correct answer: Decline it and request a current, unexpired form of identification

Identification documents must be current, so an expired license should not be relied upon as satisfactory evidence.

Question 60: A document's certificate wording is a jurat, but the signer already signed it at home. What is the proper remedy?

Have the signer re-sign the document in the notary's presence before taking the oath (Correct answer)
Notarize a photocopy instead
Cross out the jurat and write "acknowledged" without asking
Complete the jurat since the ink is genuine

Correct answer: Have the signer re-sign the document in the notary's presence before taking the oath

Because a jurat requires signing before the notary, having the signer sign again in the notary's presence cures the defect.

Connecticut Notary Public Exam

The Connecticut Notary Public Exam tests knowledge of CT notarial acts, identification and verification procedures, record-keeping requirements, acknowledgments, jurats, notary seal and certificate standards, electronic and remote notarization, and the unauthorized practice of law.

Questions

60 min

Time Limit

70%

To Pass

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Exam Rules

You can skip questions and return to them later
Flag questions for review before submitting
No feedback shown until you submit the entire exam
Unanswered questions count as wrong — answer everything
10 pretest questions are mixed in and don't affect your score
Timer auto-submits when time runs out
Your progress is auto-saved every 30 seconds