IN Notary Document Handling 3

Question 1

An Indiana notary is asked to notarize a faxed copy of a document. Should the notary proceed?

Accepted Answer

Yes, as long as the signer personally appears and signs the faxed copy

Answer

No, only original documents can be notarized

Answer

No, faxed copies are never legally valid

Answer

Yes, but only for acknowledgments

Question 2

What should an Indiana notary do if a signer asks the notary to mail or deliver the notarized document?

Accepted Answer

Return the document directly to the signer; the notary should not be responsible for delivery

Answer

Always mail it as a courtesy

Answer

Mail it only if the signer provides a stamped envelope

Answer

Deliver it only to the signer's attorney

Question 3

An Indiana notary discovers after completing a notarization that they made an error in the notarial certificate. What is the correct procedure?

Accepted Answer

Draw a single line through the error, initial and date the correction

Answer

Do nothing since the notarization is already complete

Answer

Use white-out to correct the error

Answer

Void the entire document and start over

Question 4

Can an Indiana notary notarize a document written in pencil?

Accepted Answer

No, the notary should recommend the document be prepared in permanent ink

Answer

Yes, any writing instrument is acceptable

Answer

Yes, but only for informal documents

Answer

No, pencil documents are prohibited by Indiana statute

Question 5

How should an Indiana notary handle a request to notarize a document that has already been signed but the signer is not present?

Accepted Answer

Refuse because the signer must personally appear before the notary

Answer

Notarize it based on a phone confirmation from the signer

Answer

Notarize it if a witness confirms the signer's identity

Answer

Notarize it if the signer sends a copy of their ID

Question 6

A signer asks an Indiana notary to make a photocopy of their notarized document for their records. Should the notary comply?

Accepted Answer

Yes, making a courtesy copy is acceptable but not a notarial act

Answer

No, notaries are prohibited from making copies

Answer

No, only the Secretary of State can make official copies

Answer

Yes, but the copy must also be notarized