Georgia Notary Public Exam — Questions and Answers

Question 1: A Georgia notary is employed by a law firm that assigns them notarial duties during work hours. Who legally owns the notary's journal and official seal?

The State of Georgia, as the commissioning authority
The clients whose documents were notarized
The law firm, since the notarizations are performed on company time
The notary personally, regardless of their employment relationship (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The notary personally, regardless of their employment relationship

The notary's journal and official seal are personal property belonging to the notary individually, not to their employer, even if notarial duties are part of their job responsibilities.

Question 2: Can a person who lives in another state but works in Georgia qualify for a Georgia notary commission?

Yes, if they have a regular place of employment or practice in Georgia (Correct answer)
Yes, but only if they first become a Georgia resident within one year
No, only Georgia residents may apply
No, employment in Georgia is not a qualifying factor

Correct answer: Yes, if they have a regular place of employment or practice in Georgia

Georgia law allows non-residents who have a regular place of employment or practice within the state to apply for a notary commission.

Question 3: A signer appears before a Georgia notary, but they do not have an acceptable form of identification. The notary has known the signer for over ten years through a local community organization. Under Georgia law, how may the notary proceed?

Allow the signer's spouse to vouch for their identity.
Proceed with the notarization based on personal knowledge of the signer's identity. (Correct answer)
Accept a signed affidavit from the signer attesting to their own identity.
Refuse to notarize the document until the signer presents a valid government-issued photo ID.

Correct answer: Proceed with the notarization based on personal knowledge of the signer's identity.

Georgia law allows a notary public to confirm the identity of a document signer based on the notary's personal knowledge. 'Personal knowledge' means having a long-standing acquaintance with the individual that leaves no doubt about their identity.

Question 4: Must a principal be present before the notary at the time an acknowledgment certificate is completed?

Yes, but only for real estate documents
No, the acknowledgment can be completed after a phone call confirming their identity
Yes, personal appearance before the notary is mandatory for an acknowledgment (Correct answer)
No, a witness present at the signing can confirm the principal's identity later

Correct answer: Yes, personal appearance before the notary is mandatory for an acknowledgment

Personal appearance before the notary is required for an acknowledgment in Georgia; the notary must be able to identify the signer at the time of the act.

Question 5: 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:

must proceed with the notarization if the signer has valid ID.
should require a second form of identification before proceeding.
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.

Question 6: According to Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 45-17-11), what is the maximum fee a notary public is permitted to charge for performing a single notarial act, such as taking an acknowledgment or administering an oath?

$5.00
$10.00
$2.00 (Correct answer)
A reasonable fee agreed upon with the signer

Correct answer: $2.00

O.C.G.A. § 45-17-11 explicitly states that the authorized fee is $2.00 for each notarial act performed. It is unlawful for a notary to charge more than this statutory amount for the act itself.

Question 7: Which of the following is an unacceptable document for verifying a signer's identity for a notarial act in Georgia?

A valid Georgia driver's license.
A U.S. military identification card.
A Veterans Health Identification Card issued by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
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 8: What is an affirmation in the context of Georgia notarial practice?

A written statement that does not require a notary
A type of document certification
A solemn declaration that carries the same legal weight as an oath but does not invoke a deity (Correct answer)
A promise made only in a court of law

Correct answer: A solemn declaration that carries the same legal weight as an oath but does not invoke a deity

An affirmation is a solemn, legally binding declaration used as an alternative to an oath for those who object to swearing on religious or personal grounds.

Question 9: In Georgia, if a signer refuses to take an oath during a jurat, what may the notary offer instead?

A written declaration without any ceremony
An affirmation (Correct answer)
A copy certification
A silent acknowledgment

Correct answer: An affirmation

A notary may offer an affirmation, which carries the same legal weight as an oath, to signers who object to swearing.

Question 10: How does an acknowledgment differ from a jurat in Georgia?

There is no legal difference between the two acts
An acknowledgment requires the signer to swear to document contents; a jurat does not
An acknowledgment certifies the signer voluntarily executed the document; a jurat certifies the signer swore to the document's truthfulness (Correct answer)
A jurat is used only for real estate transactions

Correct answer: An acknowledgment certifies the signer voluntarily executed the document; a jurat certifies the signer swore to the document's truthfulness

An acknowledgment confirms that the signer voluntarily executed the document, while a jurat requires the signer to swear under oath that the document's contents are true.

Question 11: How long should a notary public in Georgia retain their journal of notarial acts?

2 years
10 years
5 years (Correct answer)
4 years

Correct answer: 5 years

In Georgia, notaries public are required to retain their journal of notarial acts for a period of five years. This retention period ensures that a comprehensive record of all notarial acts is available for review if needed. Maintaining the journal is essential for accountability, fraud prevention, and compliance with state regulations, protecting both the notary and the public.

Question 12: How long does a Georgia notary's surety bond remain in effect?

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

Correct answer: 4 years

A Georgia notary's surety bond runs concurrently with the 4-year commission term.

Question 13: What should a Georgia notary do if the pre-printed certificate wording on a document does not match the notarial act being performed?

Cross out the incorrect wording and initial it
Attach a separate, correct certificate (Correct answer)
Proceed anyway if the document looks official
Refuse to notarize the document

Correct answer: Attach a separate, correct certificate

If the pre-printed certificate wording is incorrect, the notary should attach a separate certificate with the correct wording for the actual notarial act performed.

Question 14: What is a potential consequence for a Georgia notary who repeatedly overcharges for notarial acts?

A mandatory $50 fine per violation with no other penalty
A written warning from the Secretary of State only
Mandatory retraining with no risk of commission loss
Commission revocation and possible criminal charges (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Commission revocation and possible criminal charges

Willful misconduct including overcharging can result in commission revocation and potential criminal liability under Georgia law.

Question 15: When must a Georgia notary primarily rely on verifying a government-issued photo ID for identification?

Only when the signer is acting as a 'self-filer' in a real estate transaction.
When the notary does not have personal knowledge of the signer's identity. (Correct answer)
Only when the document is being sent out of state.
For every notarial act, without exception.

Correct answer: When the notary does not have personal knowledge of the signer's identity.

A Georgia notary has two primary ways to identify a signer: personal knowledge or verifying a government-issued photo ID. If the notary does not personally know the signer sufficiently to be certain of their identity, the notary must then require and verify an acceptable government-issued photo identification document.

Question 16: Which of the following documents may NOT be notarized remotely under Georgia's RON provisions?

Self-proved wills and codicils (Correct answer)
Real estate deeds
Business contracts
Powers of attorney

Correct answer: Self-proved wills and codicils

Georgia RON law excludes certain documents including self-proved wills and codicils from being notarized through remote online means.

Question 17: What type of electronic seal must a Georgia notary use for remote online notarization?

A tamper-evident digital seal that renders any changes evident (Correct answer)
Any electronic watermark
A scanned image of their physical stamp
A typed notation of their commission information

Correct answer: A tamper-evident digital seal that renders any changes evident

Georgia RON requires a tamper-evident electronic seal that makes any subsequent changes to the notarized document detectable.

Question 18: Can a notary public in Georgia notarize a document for a relative?

Yes, as long as the notary is impartial
Yes, if the notary is also a witness (Correct answer)
No, a notary cannot notarize for relatives under any circumstances (Correct answer)
Yes, but only if the relative is not a direct descendant

Correct answer: Yes, if the notary is also a witness

Notaries must remain impartial and avoid any potential conflicts of interest to maintain the integrity of their office. Notarizing documents for relatives, especially those with a financial or beneficial interest, creates a clear conflict of interest. This rule prevents any appearance of impropriety or undue influence, ensuring the notarial act is unbiased and legally sound.

Question 19: Which notarial act is most appropriate for a signer executing a self-proving will in Georgia?

Acknowledgment (Correct answer)
Copy certification
Apostille
Jurat

Correct answer: Acknowledgment

A self-proving will in Georgia typically requires an acknowledgment, where the testator and witnesses acknowledge their signatures before a notary.

Question 20: Which statement about acknowledgments for corporate or entity signers in Georgia is correct?

The entity itself must appear before the notary
A corporate seal automatically replaces the need for an acknowledgment
Only attorneys can notarize documents signed on behalf of corporations
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 21: How should a notary handle a situation where they know a signer is unable to understand the document due to a language barrier?

Notarize the document and leave the understanding to the signer
Refuse to notarize unless the signer provides a translated version
Use an interpreter to assist the signer (Correct answer)
Proceed with the notarization

Correct answer: Use an interpreter to assist the signer

A notary must ensure the signer understands the document they are signing, especially if an oath or acknowledgment is involved. If a language barrier prevents this understanding, using a disinterested interpreter can facilitate clear communication between the notary and the signer. The notary should still confirm the signer's identity and willingness to sign, with the interpreter assisting in clarifying the document's nature.

Question 22: If a Georgia notary administers an oath for a verbal statement rather than a written document, is this a valid notarial act?

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

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 23: Can a Georgia notary refuse to administer an oath?

Yes, if the notary has a conflict of interest or the act would be unlawful (Correct answer)
No, a notary must administer any oath requested
Only if the requester cannot pay the fee
Yes, for any reason the notary chooses

Correct answer: Yes, if the notary has a conflict of interest or the act would be unlawful

A notary may refuse a notarial act, including administering an oath, if there is a conflict of interest or if performing the act would be improper or unlawful.

Question 24: Which of the following statements is accurate regarding the use of a notary seal in Georgia?

The seal is only required on documents related to real estate transactions.
An inked rubber stamp is sufficient for imprinting the notary's seal. (Correct answer)
A handwritten scrawl or signature is a sufficient substitute for a seal.
The notary's seal must be circular in shape and exactly one inch in diameter.

Correct answer: An inked rubber stamp is sufficient for imprinting the notary's seal.

Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 45-17-6) explicitly states that while an embossment is authorized, the use of a rubber or other type stamp is sufficient for imprinting the notary's seal. It also clarifies that a scrawl is not sufficient and the seal is required for authenticating all notarial acts. There are no specific shape or size requirements mandated by the law.

Question 25: Which entity is responsible for approving applications and issuing commissions for Notaries Public in Georgia?

The Clerk of Superior Court in the applicant's county. (Correct answer)
The Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority (GSCCCA).
The Georgia Secretary of State's Office.
The State Bar of Georgia.

Correct answer: The Clerk of Superior Court in the applicant's county.

The Clerk of Superior Court in the applicant's county of residence (or employment, for out-of-state residents) is the official responsible for approving applications and issuing notary commissions.

Question 26: A Georgia Notary Public's commission is valid for a term of how many years?

Two years
Five years
Four years (Correct answer)
Ten years

Correct answer: Four years

In Georgia, notaries public are commissioned for a four-year term by the Clerk of Superior Court in their county of residence or employment.

Question 27: Which of the following best describes the certificate wording required for an acknowledgment in Georgia?

It must include the notary's date of birth
It must include the property address if a deed is involved
It must list all witnesses present
It must state the signer personally appeared and acknowledged executing the document (Correct answer)

Correct answer: It must state the signer personally appeared and acknowledged executing the document

A Georgia acknowledgment certificate must state that the signer personally appeared before the notary and acknowledged executing the document.

Question 28: A Georgia notary affixes their official seal and signature to a notarial certificate but omits their commission expiration date. This omission:

Can render the notarization legally defective and violates Georgia's notarial requirements (Correct answer)
Is acceptable as long as the seal imprint itself is clear and legible
Is a harmless clerical error with no legal consequence
Is permitted for informal personal documents not used in court

Correct answer: Can render the notarization legally defective and violates Georgia's notarial requirements

Georgia law requires the notary's commission expiration date to appear on the notarial certificate; omitting it creates a defect that may render the notarization legally insufficient.

Question 29: When should a notary use a jurat?

When certifying a copy of a document
When verifying the authenticity of a signature
When administering an oath or affirmation (Correct answer)
When taking an acknowledgment

Correct answer: When administering an oath or affirmation

A jurat is a specific type of notarial act used when a signer must swear or affirm to the truthfulness of the contents of a document. The notary administers an oath or affirmation to the signer, who then signs the document in the notary's presence. This act attests that the signer took an oath and signed before the notary, confirming the veracity of the document's statements.

Question 30: What does a signer actually acknowledge when signing an acknowledgment before a Georgia notary?

That the document's contents are factually true
That they voluntarily signed the document for the purposes stated therein (Correct answer)
That they witnessed the signatures of other parties
That they received a copy of the document

Correct answer: That they voluntarily signed the document for the purposes stated therein

An acknowledgment confirms that the signer appeared before the notary, was identified, and acknowledged signing the document freely and voluntarily.

Question 31: What type of residency satisfies the Georgia notary qualification — must it be in a specific county?

Yes, only residents of counties with populations over 50,000 qualify
No, applicants must reside in the county seat of any Georgia county
Yes, only residents within a metropolitan statistical area may apply
No, any Georgia resident regardless of county may apply in their county (Correct answer)

Correct answer: No, any Georgia resident regardless of county may apply in their county

Any Georgia resident may apply for a notary commission in their county of residence, regardless of the county's size or location.

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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These practice questions were written with AI tools. They are not real exam questions. Exam facts are checked against the official sources listed below. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy

Sources & references

Exam facts on this page (fees, format, dates, passing scores) are checked against these official sources; the date is our last check. Editorial policy

gsccca.org — Test delivery, eligibility, fees, renewal, score validity · verified Oct 2026
gwinnettcourts.com — Fees · verified Oct 2026