Georgia Notary Public Exam — Questions and Answers

Question 1: A Georgia notary waives the notary fee for a close friend. This is:

Prohibited—all signers must be charged equally
Permissible—notaries may waive fees at their discretion (Correct answer)
Permissible only for immediate family members
Prohibited without written documentation

Correct answer: Permissible—notaries may waive fees at their discretion

Georgia notaries may choose to charge less than the maximum or waive the fee entirely for any signer.

Question 2: What is the venue in a Georgia notarial certificate?

The state and county where the notarization takes place (Correct answer)
The court where the document will be filed
The address of the signer's residence
The location of the notary's office

Correct answer: The state and county where the notarization takes place

The venue identifies the state and county where the notarial act was performed, which is required on every Georgia notarial certificate.

Question 3: What should a Georgia notary write on the jurat certificate to indicate an affirmation was used instead of an oath?

Add a note that the signer is not religious
Replace 'sworn' with 'affirmed' in the certificate wording (Correct answer)
Leave the certificate wording unchanged
Attach a separate affirmation form

Correct answer: Replace 'sworn' with 'affirmed' in the certificate wording

The jurat certificate wording should reflect the actual act performed — if an affirmation was used, the word 'affirmed' replaces 'sworn' in the certificate.

Question 4: A signer presents a document to a Georgia notary that contains no notarial certificate language. What should the notary do?

Write any available certificate text in the nearest blank space on the document
Sign and seal the document without adding any certificate language
Add an appropriate certificate that matches the type of notarial act being performed (Correct answer)
Refuse to notarize the document until the signer obtains a pre-printed form

Correct answer: Add an appropriate certificate that matches the type of notarial act being performed

The notary may add a certificate appropriate to the notarial act; the certificate type must match the specific act being performed, such as an acknowledgment or a jurat.

Question 5: A Georgia notary public has recently purchased a new seal. Which of the following elements is required to be on the seal for it to comply with Georgia law?

The notary's commission number
The notary's commission expiration date
The name of the county of appointment (Correct answer)
The Great Seal of the State of Georgia

Correct answer: The name of the county of appointment

According to O.C.G.A. § 45-17-6, a Georgia notary seal must contain the notary's name as commissioned, the words 'Notary Public,' the name of the state, and the county of appointment. There is no requirement for the commission expiration date or number to be on the seal.

Question 6: A Georgia notary is asked to notarize a document in which they have a direct financial interest. The notary should:

Proceed but disclose the interest in the notarial certificate
Decline to notarize the document (Correct answer)
Ask a supervisor or attorney to approve the act
Notarize only if the financial interest is under $1,000

Correct answer: Decline to notarize the document

A notary with a direct financial interest in a document has a conflict of interest and must refuse to notarize it to preserve the required impartiality.

Question 7: What is a deponent in the context of Georgia notarial acts?

A person who gives sworn testimony during a deposition (Correct answer)
The notary who administers the oath
A witness who verifies a notary's signature
The attorney who files the affidavit

Correct answer: A person who gives sworn testimony during a deposition

A deponent is the individual who provides sworn testimony at a deposition, having taken an oath or affirmation before the notary or other official.

Question 8: What ethical principle underlies the requirement that Georgia notaries not prepare the documents they notarize (unless they are licensed attorneys)?

It reduces liability for the state of Georgia
It ensures the signer has time to review the document
It ensures document fees are kept separate from notarial fees
It prevents conflicts of interest and unauthorized practice of law (Correct answer)

Correct answer: It prevents conflicts of interest and unauthorized practice of law

Preparing legal documents is the practice of law, and non-attorney notaries who draft documents create a conflict of interest on top of a legal violation.

Question 9: A Georgia notary whose commission lists Fulton County is asked to perform a notarization in DeKalb County. May they do so?

No, a Georgia notary may only notarize in their county of appointment
Yes, but only in adjacent counties
Yes, a Georgia notary may perform notarial acts anywhere within the state (Correct answer)
No, they must obtain a temporary commission in DeKalb County first

Correct answer: Yes, a Georgia notary may perform notarial acts anywhere within the state

A Georgia notary's authority extends statewide; the county listed on the commission and seal is the county of appointment, not a geographic restriction.

Question 10: Which statement about acknowledgments for corporate or entity signers in Georgia is correct?

A corporate seal automatically replaces the need for an acknowledgment
Only attorneys can notarize documents signed on behalf of corporations
The entity itself must appear before the notary
The representative must acknowledge signing in their authorized capacity on behalf of the entity (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The representative must acknowledge signing in their authorized capacity on behalf of the entity

When a representative signs on behalf of an entity, the acknowledgment certificate must reflect their authorized capacity and that they acted on behalf of the entity.

Question 11: Which of the following scenarios does NOT satisfy the identity verification requirement for a Georgia notarization?

The notary has personally known the signer for five years
The signer presents a valid, unexpired state driver's license
A credible witness known to the notary vouches for the signer under oath
The signer presents a signed statement from their employer confirming their identity (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The signer presents a signed statement from their employer confirming their identity

An employer's signed statement is not a recognized method of identity verification under Georgia notary law.

Question 12: What is an affidavit?

A written statement of facts sworn or affirmed to be true before a notary or other official (Correct answer)
A property deed requiring notarization
A court order signed by a judge
A notary's official commission certificate

Correct answer: A written statement of facts sworn or affirmed to be true before a notary or other official

An affidavit is a written declaration of facts that the affiant swears or affirms is true before an authorized official such as a notary.

Question 13: The date on a notarial certificate must correspond to:

The date the notarial act was actually performed (Correct answer)
The date the notary mails or delivers the document
The date the document was drafted or typed
The date the document is recorded or filed

Correct answer: The date the notarial act was actually performed

The certificate date must reflect the actual date the notary performed the notarial act, not any other date associated with the document's lifecycle.

Question 14: How does Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance fundamentally differ from a surety bond?

E&O insurance must be filed with the court; surety bonds do not
E&O insurance protects the notary's personal assets; surety bonds protect the public (Correct answer)
E&O insurance is required by law; surety bonds are optional
E&O insurance always costs more than surety bonds

Correct answer: E&O insurance protects the notary's personal assets; surety bonds protect the public

E&O insurance covers the notary's personal liability and legal costs, while a surety bond is a guarantee to the public that they will be compensated for notary-caused losses.

Question 15: The name on a signer's driver's license reads 'Robert T. Smith' but the document to be notarized uses 'Bob Smith.' What should the Georgia notary do?

Proceed as long as the notary is satisfied the signer is the same person and notes the discrepancy (Correct answer)
Accept the ID only if the signer signs both names on the notarial certificate
Refuse to notarize because the names do not exactly match
Require the signer to obtain a corrected document before notarizing

Correct answer: Proceed as long as the notary is satisfied the signer is the same person and notes the discrepancy

A notary may proceed if sufficiently satisfied the individual is the same person, noting any name discrepancy in the notarial record.

Question 16: Can a person whose felony conviction has been fully pardoned apply for a Georgia notary public commission?

No, only the Governor can grant an exception for pardoned felons
Yes, but only after waiting 10 years post-pardon
Yes, a full pardon that restores civil rights removes the disqualification (Correct answer)
No, a felony conviction is a permanent lifetime bar regardless of pardon

Correct answer: Yes, a full pardon that restores civil rights removes the disqualification

A full pardon that restores civil rights eliminates the felony-based disqualification for a Georgia notary commission.

Question 17: How long must a Georgia notary retain the audio-visual recording of a remote online notarization?

3 years
10 years
5 years (Correct answer)
1 year

Correct answer: 5 years

Georgia law requires that audio-visual recordings of RON sessions be retained for at least 5 years.

Question 18: Can a Georgia notary commission be suspended rather than fully revoked?

Yes, the Superior Court can suspend a commission pending investigation (Correct answer)
Yes, but only the Governor can order a suspension
No, Georgia law only allows for full revocation
No, only voluntary resignation is possible

Correct answer: Yes, the Superior Court can suspend a commission pending investigation

A Georgia notary commission can be suspended by the Superior Court while misconduct allegations are being investigated.

Question 19: When notarizing a signature, Georgia law requires the signer to:

Mail the document within 30 days of signing
Provide a witnessed affidavit if they cannot appear
Appear via phone call if out of state
Appear in person before the notary at the time of notarization (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Appear in person before the notary at the time of notarization

Georgia law requires personal appearance before the notary at the time of notarization unless Remote Online Notarization (RON) procedures are followed.

Question 20: When is it permissible for a Georgia notary to notarize their spouse's signature?

It is never permissible because the notary has a personal interest (Correct answer)
Only on non-financial documents
It is permissible if the notary discloses the relationship
Only with written consent from the other party

Correct answer: It is never permissible because the notary has a personal interest

Notarizing a spouse's signature creates a personal interest conflict and is prohibited regardless of disclosure.

Question 21: Before performing any notarial acts, a newly commissioned Georgia notary must:

Complete a state-approved training course
Take and file an oath of office (Correct answer)
Purchase a surety bond
Register with the Georgia Secretary of State

Correct answer: Take and file an oath of office

A new Georgia notary must take and subscribe to an oath of office before performing any notarial acts.

Question 22: In Georgia RON, credential analysis is used to verify which of the following?

The signer's credit history
The document's chain of title
The authenticity of the signer's government-issued photo identification (Correct answer)
The notary's official seal authenticity

Correct answer: The authenticity of the signer's government-issued photo identification

Credential analysis examines the signer's government-issued photo ID to confirm it is genuine and that it belongs to the person presenting it.

Question 23: If a Georgia notary administers an oath for a verbal statement rather than a written document, is this a valid notarial act?

Yes, administering oaths for verbal statements is a valid notarial act in Georgia (Correct answer)
Only in criminal proceedings
Only if the statement is later reduced to writing
No, oaths must always be attached to a written document

Correct answer: Yes, administering oaths for verbal statements is a valid notarial act in Georgia

Georgia notaries may administer oaths for verbal statements, such as those taken during depositions or other proceedings, without a written document.

Question 24: What must a Georgia notary verify before completing an acknowledgment?

The signer is a Georgia resident
The document has been filed with the county clerk
The identity of the signer and their willingness to sign (Correct answer)
The contents of the document are accurate

Correct answer: The identity of the signer and their willingness to sign

Before completing an acknowledgment, a Georgia notary must verify the signer's identity and that the signature is voluntary.

Question 25: What must a Georgia notary do when their commission term is nearing expiration and they wish to continue serving?

They must retake and pass a state-administered notary examination
They must obtain a new oath from the Governor's office
The commission automatically renews without any action needed
They must submit a renewal application to the Superior Court clerk before expiration (Correct answer)

Correct answer: They must submit a renewal application to the Superior Court clerk before expiration

To renew a Georgia notary commission, the notary must file a renewal application with the Superior Court clerk before the current commission expires.

Question 26: For a remote online notarization, what additional information should be captured in the journal compared to an in-person notarization?

The signer's credit card number used to pay for the session
The technology platform used and confirmation number for the recorded session (Correct answer)
A physical ink thumbprint mailed in within 48 hours
The signer's GPS coordinates at the time of signing

Correct answer: The technology platform used and confirmation number for the recorded session

Remote notarizations require documentation of the technology platform and session record to verify the audio-visual connection was properly established.

Question 27: If a Georgia notary makes an error on a notarial certificate, what is the proper correction method?

Cross out the error neatly, initial it, and enter the correct information, or attach a new certificate (Correct answer)
Use correction fluid to cover the mistake
Shred the document and start over
Ask the signer to initial the correction instead

Correct answer: Cross out the error neatly, initial it, and enter the correct information, or attach a new certificate

Errors on a notarial certificate should be crossed out, initialed by the notary, and corrected, or a new certificate should be attached.

Question 28: Which of the following is an unacceptable document for verifying a signer's identity for a notarial act in Georgia?

A U.S. military identification card.
A Veterans Health Identification Card issued by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
A valid Georgia driver's license.
A student ID card from a private university. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A student ID card from a private university.

As of the legal update effective January 1, 2025, Georgia law requires verification using a government-issued photo identification document. A student ID from a private university is not government-issued. Acceptable forms include a valid driver's license, a state-issued personal identification card, or a military ID card like the Veterans Health ID card.

Question 29: A mobile notary travels 15 miles to a client's office to notarize one signature. Which of the following fee structures is compliant with Georgia law?

Including the travel cost within a total 'notary fee' of $15.00.
Charging a single, flat fee of $30.00 listed as 'Notarization Service'.
Charging $17.00, representing $2.00 for the act and $1.00 per mile traveled.
Billing $2.00 for the notarial act and a separately stated, pre-agreed travel fee. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Billing $2.00 for the notarial act and a separately stated, pre-agreed travel fee.

While Georgia law does not specify a maximum travel fee, it is a best practice and legally defensible to charge for the notarial act ($2.00) and any travel fee as separate line items. The travel fee must be agreed upon with the signer in advance, as it is not regulated by statute like the notarial act fee is.

Question 30: In Georgia, a 'credible witness' in notarial practice is best described as:

Any adult present in the room during notarization
A witness who has known the notary for at least five years
A person who personally knows the signer and swears to the signer's identity before the notary (Correct answer)
A licensed attorney who vouches in writing for the signer

Correct answer: A person who personally knows the signer and swears to the signer's identity before the notary

A credible witness is someone who personally knows the signer, does not have a financial interest in the document, and takes an oath before the notary vouching for the signer's identity.

Question 31: A signer's demeanor causes a notary to have compelling doubts about whether the person understands the consequences of the document they are signing. According to Georgia law, the notary:

should require a second form of identification before proceeding.
must proceed with the notarization if the signer has valid ID.
is obligated to explain the document to the signer.
may refuse to perform the notarial act. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: may refuse to perform the notarial act.

Georgia law states that a notary is not obligated to perform a notarial act if the signer's demeanor causes compelling doubts about their understanding of the transaction. A notary has the discretion to refuse a notarization in such circumstances to prevent potential fraud or coercion.

Georgia Notary Public Exam

The Georgia Notary Public Exam is administered through the GSCCCA eLearn portal and tests applicants on Georgia notary law, notarial acts, signer identification, recordkeeping, seal requirements, prohibited acts, fees, and remote online notarization procedures.

Questions

60 min

Time Limit

90%

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