Idaho Notary Public Knowledge Assessment — Questions and Answers

Question 1: A signer is in a hurry and questions the need to sign a notary's journal for a traditional acknowledgment, correctly stating that Idaho law doesn't require a journal for in-person acts. What is the notary's BEST response?

Skip the journal entry to provide faster customer service.
Complete the journal entry but forge the signer's signature for the record.
Explain that the journal protects all parties by creating a credible record of the act and strongly encourage them to sign. (Correct answer)
Refuse to perform the notarization unless the signer signs the journal.

Correct answer: Explain that the journal protects all parties by creating a credible record of the act and strongly encourage them to sign.

The Idaho Secretary of State strongly recommends keeping a journal as a best practice. The purpose is to create a reliable record that protects the public, the signer, and the notary. The best course of action is to professionally explain this benefit rather than skipping the entry or refusing the service, as the journal is not legally mandatory for the signer in this context.

Question 2: Which of the following elements is required to be included on an Idaho notary's official seal?

The county where the notary is commissioned
The notary's business address
The Great Seal of the State of Idaho
The notary's state-issued commission number (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The notary's state-issued commission number

According to Idaho Code §51-117, an official notary stamp must include the notary public's name as it appears on the commission, the words "Notary Public," the words "State of Idaho," and the notary's state-issued commission number.

Question 3: A client asks an Idaho notary to notarize a document with two signatures, requiring one acknowledgment for each. The notary also agrees to a travel fee. Which of the following fee structures is allowable under Idaho law?

A single flat fee of $25.00 to cover everything.
$10.00 for the two notarizations (2 x $5.00) plus a reasonable, separately stated travel fee. (Correct answer)
A $15.00 fee for the two signatures plus a reasonable, separately stated travel fee.
$5.00 for the first signature, $2.50 for the second, plus a travel fee based on the county's official rate.

Correct answer: $10.00 for the two notarizations (2 x $5.00) plus a reasonable, separately stated travel fee.

Idaho law permits a maximum fee of $5.00 per notarial act. Since there are two signatures each requiring a separate acknowledgment, the notary can charge up to $5.00 for each, for a total of $10.00. Any travel fee must be reasonable and stated separately from the notarial fees.

Question 4: Under what circumstances may an Idaho notary refuse to perform a notarial act?

If the signer is not a resident of the state of Idaho.
If the notary is not satisfied that the signer is competent or is signing knowingly and voluntarily. (Correct answer)
When the notary has a personal disagreement with the content of the document.
Under no circumstances, as a notary is a public official required to serve all.

Correct answer: If the notary is not satisfied that the signer is competent or is signing knowingly and voluntarily.

Idaho Code 51-108 explicitly grants a notary the authority to refuse a notarization if they are not satisfied that the individual is competent or has the capacity to execute the record, or if they are not satisfied that the signature is knowingly and voluntarily made. A notary cannot refuse based on personal disagreement with the document's content if the notarial act itself is lawful.

Question 5: Which of the following is NOT a requirement to become a Notary Public in Idaho?

Be a resident of Idaho or have a place of employment in the state.
Be at least 18 years old.
Be a citizen or permanent legal resident of the United States.
Be a registered voter in the state of Idaho. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Be a registered voter in the state of Idaho.

While there are several eligibility requirements to become a notary in Idaho, such as age and residency, being a registered voter is not one of them.

Question 6: Which of the following is a mandatory element that must be included in the notarial certificate for a remote online notarization performed in Idaho?

The brand name of the communication technology used.
The signer's email address and phone number.
A statement indicating the notarial act was performed using communication technology. (Correct answer)
The physical address of the remotely located individual.

Correct answer: A statement indicating the notarial act was performed using communication technology.

According to Idaho Code 51-114A(5), the notarial certificate for a remote notarization must contain a statement substantially similar to: 'This notarial act involved the use of communication technology.' While the notary must identify the technology to the Secretary of State initially, it is not required in every certificate. The signer's personal contact information is not part of the notarial certificate itself.

Question 7: Which of the following activities is an Idaho notary public expressly prohibited from performing?

Certifying a copy of a U.S. passport.
Notarizing a document for a non-U.S. citizen who provides valid identification.
Charging a fee for a notarial act performed during regular work hours for their employer.
Selecting the type of notarial certificate on behalf of the signer. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Selecting the type of notarial certificate on behalf of the signer.

Selecting the appropriate notarial certificate (e.g., acknowledgment vs. jurat) constitutes giving legal advice, which is considered the unauthorized practice of law for a non-attorney notary. The signer or the receiving agency must make this determination.

Question 8: Can an Idaho notary public notarize a document if the signer is not physically present but provides a scanned signature?

Yes, if the signer has provided proper ID beforehand
No, physical presence of the signer is required (Correct answer)
No, unless the notary trusts the signer
Yes, as long as the scanned signature looks legitimate

Correct answer: No, physical presence of the signer is required

For traditional in-person notarization, Idaho law mandates that the signer must be physically present before the notary. This allows the notary to personally verify the signer's identity, observe their willingness to sign, and ensure they are not under duress. A scanned signature does not fulfill this crucial physical presence requirement, making the notarization invalid.

Question 9: An Idaho notary is required to obtain a surety bond in what amount to be commissioned?

$5,000
$25,000
$10,000 (Correct answer)
$15,000

Correct answer: $10,000

Idaho Code 51-121 requires all notaries operating in the state to purchase and maintain a $10,000 surety bond to be eligible for a commission.

Question 10: An Idaho notary is presented with a valid, unexpired Canadian driver's license as proof of identity. What should the notary do?

Accept the Canadian driver's license as it is a government-issued photo ID.
Reject the ID and require a passport, U.S. driver's license, or other state-approved ID. (Correct answer)
Require a credible witness in addition to the Canadian driver's license.
Accept the ID only if the person also has a secondary form of identification.

Correct answer: Reject the ID and require a passport, U.S. driver's license, or other state-approved ID.

Acceptable forms of identification in Idaho must be issued by a state or federal government entity of the United States. A foreign passport is acceptable if stamped by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), but a foreign driver's license is not on the list of approved IDs. Therefore, the notary must refuse this form of ID and request an acceptable alternative.

Question 11: What physical gesture is traditionally required of a person taking an oath before an Idaho notary?

Signing a separate oath attestation form before the notary
Standing at attention with both hands at their sides
Raising the right hand (Correct answer)
Placing both hands flat on the desk in front of them

Correct answer: Raising the right hand

The traditional oath ceremony requires the affiant to raise their right hand, though an equivalent solemn gesture may be accepted if the person is physically unable to raise their hand.

Question 12: Which of the following is a prohibited act for an Idaho notary public?

Notarizing documents after verifying the signer's ID
Notarizing a document that contains blanks (Correct answer)
Notarizing a document written in a foreign language
Notarizing a document for a friend

Correct answer: Notarizing a document that contains blanks

Idaho notary law strictly prohibits notarizing documents that contain blanks. This rule is in place to prevent fraud and ensure the integrity of the document, as information could be added after the notarization without the signer's knowledge or consent. A notary's duty is to verify the completeness and authenticity of the document at the time of notarization.

Question 13: When keeping a detailed journal for a traditional notarization in Idaho, which piece of information is most essential for identifying the specific document that was notarized?

A description of the document, such as 'Deed of Trust dated January 1, 2026'. (Correct answer)
The fee charged for the notarial service.
The serial number from the signer's driver's license.
The time of day the notarization was performed.

Correct answer: A description of the document, such as 'Deed of Trust dated January 1, 2026'.

To create a useful and defensible record, the journal entry must clearly identify the document involved. Recording the type or title of the document and its date is the most effective way to distinguish it from any other document the notary may have handled, which is a key recommendation from the Idaho Secretary of State.

Question 14: A notary makes an error while filling out their paper journal for an in-person acknowledgment, accidentally writing the wrong document title. What is the professionally accepted best practice for correcting this mistake?

Tear the page out of the journal and start a new entry on a fresh page.
Use correction fluid or tape to completely cover the error and write over it.
Scribble over the mistake until it is illegible and write the correct title above it.
Draw a single line through the incorrect information, write the correct information nearby, and add your initials. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Draw a single line through the incorrect information, write the correct information nearby, and add your initials.

The standard professional method for correcting an error in a notary journal is to strike through the mistake with a single line so it remains legible, add the correct information, and then initial and date the correction. This maintains the record's integrity by showing what was changed, when, and by whom, without appearing to conceal information.

Question 15: Under what conditions may an Idaho notary administer an oath remotely to a signer not physically present?

When using approved two-way audio-visual communication and complying with Idaho's remote online notarization requirements (Correct answer)
Only for active-duty military personnel deployed outside Idaho
Only when the affiant is traveling outside Idaho but remains within the United States
Any time the notary and affiant can communicate by standard telephone

Correct answer: When using approved two-way audio-visual communication and complying with Idaho's remote online notarization requirements

Idaho's remote online notarization law permits oaths to be administered via approved two-way audio-visual technology, provided the notary complies with all applicable RON requirements.

Question 16: An Idaho notary authorized to perform remote online notarizations (RON) is conducting a session with a signer located in another country. According to Idaho law, what condition must be met for this notarization to be valid?

The notarial act must not be prohibited by the foreign state where the signer is located. (Correct answer)
The notary must charge an additional international service fee.
The signer must be a U.S. citizen.
The document must be written in English.

Correct answer: The notarial act must not be prohibited by the foreign state where the signer is located.

Idaho Code 51-114A allows a notary to perform a remote online notarization for a remotely located individual outside the United States, provided the act is not prohibited by the laws of the foreign state where the individual is located. The signer's citizenship, the document's language, and fees are not the primary legal conditions for the validity of the act itself under this statute.

Question 17: An Idaho notary public is asked to notarize a will for a family member without witnessing the signing. What should the notary do?

Refuse to notarize the will (Correct answer)
Notarize the will if it appears legitimate
Notarize the will and sign on behalf of the family member
Request a higher fee for notarizing without witnessing the signature

Correct answer: Refuse to notarize the will

A notary's primary duty is to verify the identity of the signer and witness their signature, which necessitates the signer's physical presence. Notarizing a will for a family member without witnessing the signing creates a conflict of interest and violates the fundamental requirement of observing the act of signing. Notaries must refuse such requests to maintain impartiality and adhere to legal standards.

Question 18: Upon successful submission of the application, bond, and fee, what does the Idaho Secretary of State issue to the new notary that grants them the authority to purchase their official stamp?

A temporary commission license.
A letter of good standing.
An official notary journal.
A Notary Commission Certificate. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A Notary Commission Certificate.

Once the application is approved, the Secretary of State issues a Notary Commission Certificate. This official document is what the notary must present to a vendor to purchase their required notary stamping device.

Question 19: 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 (Correct answer)
Update their notary seal with the new address
Submit a new application for a notary commission
Continue using the old address on documents

Correct answer: Notify the Secretary of State of the address change

Idaho notaries are required to notify the Secretary of State's office of any change in their business or residential address during their commission term. This ensures that the state maintains accurate records for official communication and oversight. Failure to update this information can lead to administrative issues or even suspension of the commission.

Question 20: What is the first step in becoming a notary public in Idaho?

Complete a training course (Correct answer)
Obtain a $10,000 surety bond
Submit a notarized application
Purchase a notary seal

Correct answer: Complete a training course

The first step in becoming an Idaho notary public is to complete an approved training course. This ensures that prospective notaries understand their duties, responsibilities, and the legal framework governing notarizations. The training is a foundational requirement to prepare individuals for the ethical and legal demands of the office.

Question 21: An Idaho notary who is not an attorney advertises their services in a local Spanish-language newspaper. To comply with Idaho law regarding prohibited acts, what must be included in the advertisement?

Proof of their Errors and Omissions insurance policy.
A disclaimer stating they are not an attorney and cannot give legal advice. (Correct answer)
Their notary commission number and expiration date.
A list of all statutory fees for notarial acts.

Correct answer: A disclaimer stating they are not an attorney and cannot give legal advice.

Idaho Code 51-125 prohibits a non-attorney notary from using the term "notario publico" and requires that any advertisement for notarial services includes a specific disclaimer, in the language of the advertisement, stating: "I am not an attorney licensed to practice law in this state. I am not allowed to draft legal records, give advice on legal matters, including immigration, or charge a fee for those activities."

Question 22: During a remote online notarization, the Idaho notary does not personally know the signer. Which of the following methods is an acceptable way to verify the signer's identity under Idaho law?

Receiving a scanned copy of the signer's ID via email before the session.
An oath or affirmation from a credible witness who is also remotely located. (Correct answer)
Verbal confirmation of the signer's date of birth and social security number.
Presentation of a single piece of government-issued photo ID via webcam.

Correct answer: An oath or affirmation from a credible witness who is also remotely located.

Idaho law allows for identity verification through satisfactory evidence, which includes the oath or affirmation of a credible witness. This credible witness can also appear remotely, provided the notary can properly identify the witness. Simply stating personal information is insufficient, and identity proofing for remote notarization requires more than just showing an ID to the camera; it often involves credential analysis and knowledge-based authentication.

Question 23: An Idaho notary is asked to notarize a document for their spouse. What should the notary do?

Notarize the document but avoid using their seal
Refuse to notarize the document due to a conflict of interest (Correct answer)
Notarize the document if their spouse provides proper identification
Charge double the normal fee for notarization

Correct answer: Refuse to notarize the document due to a conflict of interest

Idaho notary law, like most states, prohibits notaries from performing notarizations where they have a direct beneficial interest, which includes notarizing documents for a spouse. This is considered a conflict of interest because the notary or their immediate family could personally gain from the transaction. Notaries must remain impartial and avoid situations that compromise their objectivity.

Question 24: How long is an Idaho notary public commission valid?

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

Correct answer: 6 years

An Idaho notary public commission is valid for a term of six years. This fixed term ensures that notaries periodically renew their commission, allowing the state to update records and ensure notaries remain compliant with current laws and regulations. After six years, notaries must reapply and meet current requirements to continue their service.

Question 25: A notary public works for a real estate agency. The notary's spouse is purchasing a property through the agency, and the closing documents require notarization. According to Idaho law, how should the notary proceed?

The notary may notarize the documents if a co-worker is present as a witness.
The notary must refuse to notarize the documents. (Correct answer)
The notary may notarize the documents as long as they do not charge a fee.
The notary may notarize the documents since the transaction is handled by the agency, not them personally.

Correct answer: The notary must refuse to notarize the documents.

Idaho Code Section 51-104 explicitly prohibits a notary public from performing a notarial act with respect to a record to which the notary's spouse is a party or has a direct beneficial interest. Performing such an act would create a conflict of interest and the notarization would be voidable.

Question 26: Regarding the use of a notary journal for remote online notarizations (RON) in Idaho, which statement is correct?

A journal is only recommended for remote notarizations involving real estate transactions.
Idaho law mandates that all RON platforms automatically generate and store a journal entry for every transaction.
A notary must maintain a separate, physical, bound journal exclusively for all RON acts.
While not legally required, it is a recommended best practice to chronicle all remote notarial acts in a journal, which can be in a tangible or electronic format. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: While not legally required, it is a recommended best practice to chronicle all remote notarial acts in a journal, which can be in a tangible or electronic format.

Idaho law does not legally mandate a notary journal for any type of notarization, including remote online notarizations. However, the Secretary of State strongly recommends it as a best practice. For remote notarizations, administrative rules state a notary may elect to maintain one or more journals in either a tangible (bound paper) or electronic format.

Idaho Notary Public Knowledge Assessment

Covers Idaho notary public law and practice across all seven official Idaho Secretary of State training chapters, including qualifications, commissioning, notarial acts, fees, prohibitions, and remote notarization under Idaho Code Title 51.

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30 min

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70%

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