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

A notary can notarize a faxed document if the signer personally appears, is properly identified, and signs the document before the notary.

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

Best practice is to return notarized documents directly to the signer. The notary should not take custody of or deliver documents to third parties.

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

The proper method to correct a notarial certificate error is to draw a single line through the mistake, then initial and date the correction.

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

While not explicitly prohibited by statute, best practice dictates refusing to notarize pencil documents because pencil can be erased and altered.

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

Indiana law requires the signer to personally appear before the notary. Remote confirmation by phone, witness, or ID copy does not satisfy this requirement.

IN Notary - Indiana Notary Exam Practice Test

IN Notary - Indiana Notary Exam Practice Test

IN Notary Document Handling 3