GA Notary Legal Requirements and Guidelines 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Who issues a notary commission in Georgia?
- The Secretary of State
- The Governor's office
- The Clerk of the Superior Court (Correct answer)
- The County Commissioner
Correct answer: The Clerk of the Superior Court
In Georgia, notary commissions are issued by the Clerk of the Superior Court in the county where the applicant resides or has their principal place of business.
Question 2: What is the maximum fee a Georgia notary public may charge per notarial act?
- $1.00
- $2.00 (Correct answer)
- $5.00
- $10.00
Correct answer: $2.00
Under O.C.G.A. § 45-17-11, a Georgia notary may charge no more than $2.00 per notarial act performed.
Question 3: How long is a Georgia notary public commission valid?
- 2 years
- 4 years (Correct answer)
- 6 years
- 10 years
Correct answer: 4 years
A Georgia notary commission is valid for four years from the date it is issued under O.C.G.A. § 45-17-2.
Question 4: If a Georgia notary moves to a different county, what must they do?
- Continue using their current commission without any changes
- Notify only their employer within 60 days
- Apply for a new commission in the new county (Correct answer)
- File a change-of-address form with the Secretary of State
Correct answer: Apply for a new commission in the new county
Because Georgia notary commissions are county-specific, a notary who moves to a different county must apply for a new commission in that county.
Question 5: Which document type may a Georgia notary NOT certify as a true copy?
- A private business contract
- A personal photograph
- A birth certificate issued by a government agency (Correct answer)
- A personal letter
Correct answer: A birth certificate issued by a government agency
Notaries are prohibited from certifying copies of vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates) because those are government-held documents that must be obtained from the issuing agency.
Question 6: Which of the following must appear on a Georgia notary's official seal?
- The notary's home address and phone number
- The notary's name, 'Georgia,' county, and commission expiration date (Correct answer)
- The notary's photograph and Social Security number
- Only the notary's commission number
Correct answer: The notary's name, 'Georgia,' county, and commission expiration date
Under O.C.G.A. § 45-17-6, the seal must contain the notary's name, the words 'Notary Public' and 'Georgia,' the notary's county, and the commission expiration date.
Question 7: A Georgia notary's commission automatically terminates upon which event?
- The notary relocates outside of Georgia (Correct answer)
- The notary changes their employer
- The notary fails to purchase a new seal
- The notary stops performing acts for 90 days
Correct answer: The notary relocates outside of Georgia
A Georgia notary commission requires the holder to be a Georgia resident or have a principal place of business in Georgia; relocating outside the state terminates the commission.
GA Notary Legal Requirements and Guidelines 2
Who issues a notary commission in Georgia?