Free SC Notary Basic Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: It is not permissible for unauthorized individuals to access the electronic journal maintained by an electronic notary public. Access is restricted to protect the privacy and integrity of the records.
- Yes
- No (Correct answer)
Correct answer: No
Notary journals, whether electronic or physical, contain sensitive personal information and are legally protected records. South Carolina law, like most states, mandates that notary journals must be kept secure and access restricted solely to the notary public and authorized entities (e.g., the Secretary of State for inspection). Allowing unauthorized individuals access would compromise privacy and the integrity of notarial acts, making it strictly impermissible.
Question 2: Is it permissible for an electronic notary public in South Carolina to utilize a solution provider that is not included on the official list provided by the Secretary of State for electronic notarization?
- Yes any solution provider can be used
- No, only providers listed on the official portal may be used (Correct answer)
- Yes as long as the provider is certified
- No but exceptions can be made with prior approval
Correct answer: No, only providers listed on the official portal may be used
South Carolina, like many states, maintains an official list of approved solution providers for electronic notarization. This is to ensure that the technology used meets specific security, recordkeeping, and interoperability standards set by the state. Notaries must use these approved providers to ensure compliance and the legal validity of their electronic notarial acts.
Question 3: Personal appearance before the Notary is required ______.
- Whenever it is practical for the signer to comply
- For notary acts involving only married signers
- For every notary act (Correct answer)
- Except when the signers attorney dictates otherwise
Correct answer: For every notary act
The fundamental principle of notarization, even with remote online notarization, is the personal appearance of the signer before the notary. This allows the notary to verify the signer's identity, assess their willingness, and ensure they understand the document. While RON allows for virtual appearance, direct interaction is always required for every notarial act.
Question 4: Can the employer who paid for all of the costs to obtain the notary public's commission and the supplies ask the Notary Public to surrender the journal upon termination of employment?
- Yes
- Yes if employer seeks the secretary of states permission
- Yes if it was agreed in employeer -employee agreement
- No Notary public journal is the exclusive property of the notary public (Correct answer)
Correct answer: No Notary public journal is the exclusive property of the notary public
A notary public's journal, whether electronic or physical, is considered the exclusive property of the notary public, even if an employer paid for the commission or supplies. This is because the journal contains sensitive records of official acts performed by the notary in their public capacity. It must remain under the notary's control to ensure its integrity and availability for legal purposes.
Question 5: Which of the following is permitted in the journal?
- The Costumers signatures (Correct answer)
- A complete social security number
- A complete account number
- A complete drivers license number
Correct answer: The Costumers signatures
Notary journals are designed to record essential details of each notarial act, including the signer's signature. This serves as proof of their appearance and acknowledgment. However, sensitive personal information like complete social security numbers, account numbers, or full driver's license numbers are generally prohibited to protect privacy and prevent identity theft.
Free SC Notary Basic Questions and Answers
It is not permissible for unauthorized individuals to access the electronic journal maintained by an electronic notary public.
Access is restricted to protect the privacy and integrity of the records.