Free Duties & Responsibilities of a Notary Questions and Answers 3

Question 1

Which of the following best describes a notary's duty regarding the mental competency of the signer?

Accepted Answer

The notary must verify that the signer appears alert and aware, declining if they appear incapacitated

Answer

A notary must assess whether the signer appears mentally aware and capable of understanding what they are signing. If the signer appears confused, intoxicated, or incapacitated, the notary should decline to proceed.

Question 2

When a notary is asked to notarize a document that appears to have blanks not yet filled in, the notary should:

Accepted Answer

Refuse or require that all blank spaces be completed before notarizing

Answer

A notary should not notarize a document with blank spaces that could be filled in after the notarization, as this creates a risk of fraud. The notary should ask that blanks be completed before proceeding.

Question 3

A notary's duty to keep their commission information current means they must:

Accepted Answer

Notify the state of changes such as a new name or address and renew before expiration

Answer

A notary must keep their commission information current with the commissioning state, including notifying the state of a change of name or address, and must renew before expiration to remain authorized.

Question 4

Is a notary required to notarize a document in a language they do not understand?

Accepted Answer

No — a notary may decline if they cannot determine the nature of the document due to a language barrier

Answer

A notary is not required to notarize documents in languages they do not understand if they cannot determine the nature of the document. Most states allow refusal if the notary cannot assess whether the notarization is appropriate.

Question 5

What should a notary do when presented with a pre-printed notarial certificate that does not match the notarial act being performed?

Accepted Answer

Attach a correct loose certificate or modify the form to accurately reflect the act performed

Answer

The notary should not use an incorrect pre-printed certificate. The certificate must accurately describe the notarial act performed. The notary may cross out incorrect wording, attach a loose certificate, or ask for the correct form.

Notary Public Practice Test

Notary Public Practice Test

Free Duties & Responsibilities of a Notary Questions and Answers 3