Georgia Notary Public Exam — Questions and Answers

Question 1: When must a Georgia notary primarily rely on verifying a government-issued photo ID for identification?

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

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 2: A bilingual Georgia notary advertises as a 'Notario Publico' to attract Spanish-speaking clients. This practice is:

Permissible since it is simply a Spanish translation of 'notary public'
Acceptable only if the English title is displayed alongside the Spanish title
Unlawful because the title implies legal authority that U.S. notaries do not possess (Correct answer)
Permitted if a disclaimer is included in the advertisement

Correct answer: Unlawful because the title implies legal authority that U.S. notaries do not possess

Using the title 'Notario Publico' is prohibited in Georgia because it misleads Spanish-speaking clients into believing the notary has the expansive legal authority of a civil-law notary.

Question 3: What is the minimum age requirement to become a notary public in Georgia?

25 years old
21 years old
18 years old (Correct answer)
30 years old

Correct answer: 18 years old

In Georgia, an individual must be at least 18 years old to be eligible for appointment as a notary public. This age requirement ensures that notaries are considered adults with the legal capacity to understand and fulfill the responsibilities of the office. It aligns with the general age of majority for legal competency and accountability.

Question 4: Can a Georgia notary complete a certificate in a language other than English?

No, Georgia notarial certificates must be in English (Correct answer)
Only if a licensed translator is present
Yes, if the signer requests it
Yes, if the notary is fluent in that language

Correct answer: No, Georgia notarial certificates must be in English

Georgia notarial certificates must be completed in English, as they are official legal documents subject to Georgia law.

Question 5: If a signer cannot pass KBA because they have insufficient public records history, what option does Georgia RON law typically allow?

The notarization must be abandoned and rescheduled in person
An alternative identity verification method approved by the RON platform may be used (Correct answer)
The notary may accept a personal guarantor's attestation by phone
The notary may skip identity verification entirely

Correct answer: An alternative identity verification method approved by the RON platform may be used

If KBA is not feasible due to insufficient data, an alternative identity proofing method approved by the RON technology provider may be used.

Question 6: What is the maximum amount that can be paid to an injured party from a single Georgia notary's surety bond?

$1,000
$25,000
$10,000 (Correct answer)
$5,000

Correct answer: $10,000

The maximum payout from a Georgia notary's surety bond is limited to the bond amount of $10,000, regardless of the total damages claimed.

Question 7: 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 8: Under Georgia law, may a notary charge for travel to perform a notarial act away from their office?

Only with prior Secretary of State approval
Only if the travel exceeds 10 miles
Never under any circumstances
Yes, a reasonable travel fee may be charged separately from the notarial fee (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Yes, a reasonable travel fee may be charged separately from the notarial fee

Georgia law permits a notary to charge a separate, agreed-upon travel fee in addition to the per-act notarial fee.

Question 9: 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
The attorney who files the affidavit
A witness who verifies a notary's signature

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

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

Copy certification
Apostille
Jurat
Acknowledgment (Correct answer)

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 12: A client brings 10 documents requiring 10 separate notarial acts in one sitting. The maximum total the notary may charge is:

$15
$2
$20 (Correct answer)
$10

Correct answer: $20

Each notarial act may be charged up to $2, so 10 acts allow a maximum of $20.

Question 13: Under Georgia law, which of the following is strictly prohibited for a notary public who is not a licensed attorney?

Notarizing documents written in a foreign language when the signer reads that language
Using an ink stamp seal rather than a traditional embossed wafer seal
Providing legal advice, drafting legal documents, or representing themselves as having legal expertise (Correct answer)
Charging the full $2.00 statutory fee for each act

Correct answer: Providing legal advice, drafting legal documents, or representing themselves as having legal expertise

Georgia notaries who are not licensed attorneys are prohibited from giving legal advice or holding themselves out as having legal expertise, which would constitute unauthorized practice of law.

Question 14: How long does a Georgia notary's surety bond remain in effect?

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

Correct answer: 4 years

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

Question 15: After a Georgia notary's commission expires, how long do they have to use their old seal before it becomes invalid?

90 days after expiration
The seal becomes invalid immediately upon expiration (Correct answer)
The seal remains valid until a new one is obtained
30 days after expiration

Correct answer: The seal becomes invalid immediately upon expiration

A Georgia notary's seal and commission become invalid immediately upon the expiration date; there is no grace period for continued use.

Question 16: In Georgia, if an affidavit contains multiple pages, where should the notary's jurat certificate appear?

On every page of the affidavit
On a separate document filed with the court
At the top of the first page
At the end of the document, following the affiant's signature (Correct answer)

Correct answer: At the end of the document, following the affiant's signature

The jurat certificate should appear at the end of the affidavit, following the affiant's signature, to certify the entire sworn document.

Question 17: A notarial certificate contains a blank space that was not filled in before the signer left. What is the correct action?

Leave the blank as-is to avoid altering the document
Complete the blank only if the content is obvious from context
Draw a line through the blank and initial it
Have the signer return so the certificate can be properly completed before notarizing (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Have the signer return so the certificate can be properly completed before notarizing

All required information must be present in the certificate at the time of notarization; blanks create opportunities for fraud and can invalidate the notarial act.

Question 18: A notary receives a subpoena requiring them to produce their journal as evidence in a civil lawsuit. What should the notary do?

Alter entries that might cause liability
Refuse because notary records are always privileged
Destroy the journal to protect client confidentiality
Consult an attorney and comply with the lawful subpoena (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Consult an attorney and comply with the lawful subpoena

A subpoena is a court order; the notary must comply with lawful legal process and should seek legal counsel regarding any confidentiality concerns.

Question 19: In Georgia, what must a notary do before the affiant signs an affidavit?

Provide the affiant with a copy of the notary's commission
Administer an oath or affirmation to the affiant (Correct answer)
Read the entire affidavit aloud
Verify the affiant's address with a utility bill

Correct answer: Administer an oath or affirmation to the affiant

The notary must administer an oath or affirmation to the affiant before the document is signed, as the jurat certifies this occurred.

Question 20: Which notarial act requires the signer to swear or affirm the truthfulness of a document's contents?

Acknowledgment
Signature witnessing
Copy certification
Jurat (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Jurat

A jurat requires the signer to swear or affirm that the contents of the document are true before the notary.

Question 21: 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)
No, only Georgia residents may apply
No, employment in Georgia is not a qualifying factor
Yes, but only if they first become a Georgia resident within one year

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 22: Which notarial act is most appropriate when a signer needs to swear that a written statement they prepared is accurate and true?

Copy certification
Jurat (verification upon oath or affirmation) (Correct answer)
Signature witnessing
Acknowledgment

Correct answer: Jurat (verification upon oath or affirmation)

A jurat is the proper act when the signer needs to swear or affirm under oath that the contents of their written statement are true and correct.

Question 23: A Georgia notary is asked to notarize a document for a signer who is blind and cannot sign their name. The signer presents a valid photo ID. What additional identity consideration applies?

The signer is exempt from identity verification requirements
A guardian must present their own ID in place of the signer's ID
Two credible witnesses must verify identity regardless of documentary ID presented
Identity verification still applies normally; the disability affects only signature mechanics, not identity (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Identity verification still applies normally; the disability affects only signature mechanics, not identity

Identity verification requirements apply regardless of the signer's disability; the blindness affects the signature process but not how the notary confirms who the person is.

Question 24: What is typically the first piece of information recorded in a notary journal entry?

The title of the document being notarized
The notary's commission number
The fee charged to the signer
The date the notarial act was performed (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The date the notarial act was performed

The date is typically the first element of a journal entry, establishing exactly when the notarial act occurred.

Question 25: A credible witness is used to identify a signer in Georgia. How many credible witnesses are required when the witness does NOT personally know the notary?

Two credible witnesses who both personally know the signer and are known to the notary (Correct answer)
Three credible witnesses, at least one of whom holds a government office
Two credible witnesses who are known to the notary but not necessarily the signer
One credible witness who personally knows the signer

Correct answer: Two credible witnesses who both personally know the signer and are known to the notary

When the credible witness is not personally known to the notary, two credible witnesses who know both the signer and the notary are required.

Question 26: A Georgia notary affixes their official seal to a notarial certificate but leaves all certificate text entirely blank. The document is later submitted as a fully completed notarization. Primary legal liability rests with:

The notary, who is responsible for completing the certificate before affixing the seal (Correct answer)
The county probate court that issued the notary's commission
The person who submitted the incomplete document to the recipient
Both parties equally under a joint-and-several liability theory

Correct answer: The notary, who is responsible for completing the certificate before affixing the seal

The notary is legally responsible for completing the entire notarial certificate before affixing the seal; applying a seal to a blank certificate is itself an unlawful act for which the notary is primarily liable.

Question 27: A Georgia Notary Public's commission is valid for a term of how many years?

Four years (Correct answer)
Two years
Ten years
Five 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 28: In Georgia, must the document signer personally appear before the notary when an acknowledgment is performed?

No, the notary may rely on a telephone call
No, a written statement from the signer is sufficient
Yes, personal appearance is required (Correct answer)
Only if the document is recorded

Correct answer: Yes, personal appearance is required

Georgia law requires the signer to personally appear before the notary at the time of the acknowledgment.

Question 29: A Georgia notary's seal stamp is stolen. What is the appropriate first step?

Notify the Clerk of the Superior Court in the county of appointment (Correct answer)
Purchase a replacement seal immediately and continue notarizing
Notify the Secretary of State within 90 days
File a report only if the seal is actually misused

Correct answer: Notify the Clerk of the Superior Court in the county of appointment

A notary must promptly notify the Clerk of the Superior Court in their county of appointment when their seal is lost, misplaced, or stolen to protect against unauthorized use.

Question 30: Which type of notarial certificate is typically used on an affidavit in Georgia?

Copy certification
Acknowledgment
Jurat (Correct answer)
Apostille

Correct answer: Jurat

Affidavits require a jurat because the signer must swear or affirm to the truthfulness of the statements contained in the document.

Question 31: A Georgia notary who changes their legal name must:

Update their commission records and obtain a new seal reflecting the new name (Correct answer)
Notify the Governor's office within 30 days
Apply for a brand-new commission under the new name
Continue using their old name on documents until the commission expires

Correct answer: Update their commission records and obtain a new seal reflecting the new name

A name change requires the notary to update their commission records with the Superior Court and obtain a new seal in the new name.

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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