ID NOTARY Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield ID NOTARY facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which of the following is a key difference between a surety bond and an Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance policy for an Idaho notary? → The surety bond protects the public, while E&O insurance protects the notary.
2. Can an Idaho notary public notarize a document if the signer is not physically present but provides a scanned signature? → No, physical presence of the signer is required
3. Which of the following is considered "satisfactory evidence" of a signer’s identity under Idaho notarial law? → A valid U.S. passport
4. How long is an Idaho notary public commission valid? → 6 years
5. Which of the following is NOT a requirement to become a Notary Public in Idaho? → Be a registered voter in the state of Idaho.
6. What legal consequence may a person face for making a false statement under an oath administered by an Idaho notary? → The person may be charged with perjury under Idaho criminal law
7. Which of the following activities is an Idaho notary public expressly prohibited from performing? → Selecting the type of notarial certificate on behalf of the signer.
8. Under Idaho law, which title contains the statutes governing a notary's authority to administer oaths? → Idaho Code Title 51 — Notaries Public
9. Which of the following is a prohibited act for an Idaho notary public? → Notarizing a document that contains blanks
10. What is the legal effect of an affirmation compared to an oath in Idaho? → An affirmation and an oath have the same legal effect
11. An Idaho notary is asked to notarize a document for their spouse. What should the notary do? → Refuse to notarize the document due to a conflict of interest
12. What is the primary purpose of the $10,000 surety bond required for Idaho notaries? → To protect the public from financial harm caused by the notary's misconduct or negligence.
13. Which of the following elements is required to be included on an Idaho notary's official seal? → The notary's state-issued commission number
14. An Idaho notary is presented with a valid, unexpired Canadian driver's license as proof of identity. What should the notary do? → Reject the ID and require a passport, U.S. driver's license, or other state-approved ID.
15. An Idaho notary is required to obtain a surety bond in what amount to be commissioned? → $10,000
16. Which of the following is NOT required to be included on the notary’s seal in Idaho? → The notary’s home address
17. An individual presents a document for notarization that has already been signed. Which of the following notarial acts can an Idaho notary properly perform? → Acknowledgment
18. A public member suffers a financial loss due to a notary's negligent act. Which of the following is the primary purpose of the notary's surety bond? → To compensate the victim for damages caused by the notary's misconduct.
19. Which type of notarial act in Idaho requires the signer to both sign in the notary's presence AND take an oath or affirmation? → Jurat
20. Who bears primary responsibility for ensuring the signer understands the oath or affirmation being administered by an Idaho notary? → The notary, who must confirm the signer understands the oath and its legal consequences
21. A person asks an Idaho notary to draft a simple power of attorney document and then notarize it. How should the notary respond? → Refuse to draft the document but offer to notarize it if drafted by someone else.
22. What must an applicant do after completing the training course to become a notary public in Idaho? → Obtain a $10,000 surety bond
23. Regarding the use of a notary journal in Idaho for traditional, in-person notarizations, which statement is correct? → The journal is not required by law, but it is strongly recommended as a best practice.
24. Can an Idaho notary legally administer an oath to themselves for a personal affidavit? → No, a notary cannot notarize their own signature or administer oaths to themselves
25. Which of the following is NOT allowed under Idaho law for notaries public? → Offering legal advice to the signer
26. Which of the following is not a valid form of identification for notarial purposes in Idaho? → Expired driver’s license
27. Regarding the physical characteristics of a rectangular official notary stamp in Idaho, what are the maximum dimensions? → 2.25 inches by 1 inch
28. An Idaho notary, commissioned in 2023, is purchasing a new official seal. What are the shape and border requirements for the stamp? → Rectangular or circular with a serrated or milled-edge border
29. Which of the following is a mandatory requirement for an official notary stamp in Idaho? → The notary's state-issued commission number
30. What should an Idaho notary do if they move to a new address during their commission term? → Notify the Secretary of State of the address change