Kentucky Notary Public Knowledge Assessment — Questions and Answers

Question 1: In Kentucky, can a notary certificate be typed, stamped, or handwritten?

Only pre-printed forms from the Secretary of State are valid
Only typed certificates are valid
Typed, stamped, or handwritten certificates are all acceptable (Correct answer)
Certificates must be notarized by a second notary

Correct answer: Typed, stamped, or handwritten certificates are all acceptable

Kentucky accepts notarial certificates that are typed, pre-printed, stamped, or handwritten, provided all required information is included.

Question 2: Can a Kentucky notary charge more than the statutory maximum fee by mutual agreement with the signer?

Yes, for complex commercial documents
Only if the notary is also an attorney
Yes, if both parties agree in writing
No, the statutory maximum cannot be exceeded under any circumstances (Correct answer)

Correct answer: No, the statutory maximum cannot be exceeded under any circumstances

The Kentucky statutory maximum fee is an absolute cap that cannot be exceeded, even by mutual agreement.

Question 3: How must a Kentucky notary verify the identity of a signer for a remote online notarization?

By reviewing a copy of the ID sent by postal mail
By email confirmation only
By personal knowledge only
Through credential analysis, knowledge-based authentication, or identity proofing technology (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Through credential analysis, knowledge-based authentication, or identity proofing technology

Kentucky RON rules require identity verification through approved methods such as credential analysis, knowledge-based authentication, or identity proofing technology.

Question 4: Which entity in Kentucky is responsible for appointing notaries public?

The Circuit Court
The Secretary of State (Correct answer)
The Governor
The County Clerk

Correct answer: The Secretary of State

In Kentucky, the Secretary of State is the entity responsible for appointing notaries public. The Secretary of State's office oversees the application process, issues commissions, and maintains records of all commissioned notaries in the Commonwealth. This centralized authority ensures consistency and proper regulation.

Question 5: What must a Kentucky notary applicant do before performing any notarial acts?

Both file a bond and take an oath of office (Correct answer)
Complete a training course
File a surety bond
Register with the county clerk only

Correct answer: Both file a bond and take an oath of office

Before acting as a notary, a Kentucky applicant must file a surety bond and take the official oath of office.

Question 6: What technology requirement must be met for a Kentucky remote online notarization?

Video recording without live interaction
Real-time audio-visual communication technology allowing the notary to see and hear the signer (Correct answer)
A telephone call with a recorded voice
Email exchange of signed documents

Correct answer: Real-time audio-visual communication technology allowing the notary to see and hear the signer

Kentucky requires real-time, two-way audio-visual communication that allows the notary and signer to see and hear each other simultaneously.

Question 7: A Kentucky notary's term begins on what date?

The date the Secretary of State issues the commission
The first day of the following month after approval
The date the application is submitted
The date the oath is taken and filed with the County Clerk (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The date the oath is taken and filed with the County Clerk

A Kentucky notary's commission term officially begins on the date they take the oath of office and file it with the County Clerk.

Question 8: Under Kentucky law, are notaries required to maintain a notarial journal for traditional in-person notarizations?

Yes, it is mandatory for all notarial acts
No, it is optional but strongly recommended (Correct answer)
No, and the Secretary of State discourages it
Yes, but only for acknowledgments and jurats

Correct answer: No, it is optional but strongly recommended

Kentucky law makes journal keeping optional for traditional in-person notarial acts, though maintaining one is strongly recommended for liability protection.

Question 9: Which of the following is a notary public in Kentucky prohibited from doing?

Notarizing documents in which they have a personal interest (Correct answer)
Notarizing documents for family members
Charging a fee for notarial services
Notarizing documents written in a foreign language

Correct answer: Notarizing documents in which they have a personal interest

Kentucky notaries are prohibited from notarizing documents in which they have a personal interest. This rule ensures impartiality and prevents conflicts of interest, which are fundamental principles of notarial ethics. Notarizing such documents would compromise the integrity and trustworthiness of the notarial act.

Question 10: Which of the following is a common notarial act that a Kentucky notary public is authorized to perform?

Witnessing a will
Certifying a copy of a vital record (e.g., birth certificate)
Administering an oath or affirmation (Correct answer)
Representing a client in court

Correct answer: Administering an oath or affirmation

Administering an oath or affirmation is a common notarial act that a Kentucky notary public is authorized to perform. Notaries frequently administer oaths for affidavits, depositions, and other legal documents where a person swears or affirms the truthfulness of statements. This is a core function of a notary public, unlike certifying vital records or providing legal representation.

Question 11: A notary retires and their commission expires. What should happen to their notarial journal?

It should be shredded to protect signer privacy from future access
The notary should retain it securely for the required retention period (Correct answer)
It must be immediately submitted to the county clerk's office
It automatically transfers to the Kentucky Secretary of State's archive

Correct answer: The notary should retain it securely for the required retention period

When a notary's commission expires, they must still retain their journal securely for the required retention period, as it may be needed for future legal reference.

Question 12: Can a Kentucky employer require an employee to become a notary as a condition of employment?

No, notaries must be self-employed
No, this is prohibited by law
Yes, and the employer may pay the notary fees (Correct answer)
Yes, but the employer cannot direct notarial acts

Correct answer: Yes, and the employer may pay the notary fees

An employer may require an employee to become a notary and may pay the associated fees and bond costs.

Question 13: Who has the authority to appoint notaries public in Kentucky?

The Secretary of State (Correct answer)
The Governor
The Attorney General
The County Clerk

Correct answer: The Secretary of State

The Kentucky Secretary of State is responsible for appointing notaries public in the state.

Question 14: If a Kentucky notary charges a fee, when should the fee be disclosed?

After the notarial act is completed
Fees never need to be disclosed
Only if the customer asks about fees
Before the notarial act is performed (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Before the notarial act is performed

A Kentucky notary should disclose any fees before performing the notarial act so the signer can make an informed decision.

Question 15: Can a Kentucky notary who works for a bank notarize documents for bank customers for free?

No, the bank must pay the fee on the customer's behalf
Yes, notaries may waive fees and banks commonly offer free notarizations (Correct answer)
Only if the customer has an account at the bank
Only for real estate closing documents

Correct answer: Yes, notaries may waive fees and banks commonly offer free notarizations

Since fees are not mandatory, bank-employed notaries may notarize for free for customers as a standard bank service.

Question 16: For how long must a Kentucky notary retain the audio-visual recording of a remote online notarization?

30 days
1 year
10 years
5 years (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 5 years

Kentucky requires notaries to retain the audio-visual recording of a remote online notarization for at least five years.

Question 17: In Kentucky, what is the required fee a notary public must pay to obtain their commission?

$25
$50
$5
$10 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: $10

In Kentucky, the required fee a notary public must pay to obtain their commission is $10. This fee covers the administrative costs associated with processing the application and issuing the commission. It is a standard charge for becoming a commissioned notary in the Commonwealth.

Question 18: Can a Kentucky notary perform notarial acts anywhere in the state?

Only in their home county and adjacent counties
Only in their home county
Throughout all of Kentucky (Correct answer)
Only in the county listed on their commission

Correct answer: Throughout all of Kentucky

A Kentucky notary public has statewide authority and may perform notarial acts anywhere within the state of Kentucky.

Question 19: What can the Kentucky Secretary of State do if a notary is found to have committed misconduct?

Require the notary to retake their oath
Suspend or revoke the notary's commission (Correct answer)
Impose criminal penalties directly
Only issue a warning

Correct answer: Suspend or revoke the notary's commission

The Kentucky Secretary of State has authority to suspend or revoke a notary's commission for misconduct.

Question 20: In a Kentucky remote online notarization, where is the notarial act considered to have been performed?

At the notary's physical location (Correct answer)
At the server location of the RON platform
In the county named in the document
At the signer's physical location

Correct answer: At the notary's physical location

The notarial act in a Kentucky RON is considered performed at the physical location of the notary at the time of the act.

Question 21: What type of complaint triggers an investigation into a Kentucky notary's conduct?

Only complaints that involve criminal activity
Written complaints submitted to the Secretary of State from any person (Correct answer)
Only complaints from attorneys or judges
Only complaints from government agencies

Correct answer: Written complaints submitted to the Secretary of State from any person

Any person may file a written complaint with the Kentucky Secretary of State alleging notary misconduct, which can trigger an investigation.

Question 22: A notary receives a valid court subpoena requesting their notarial journal. What is the correct course of action?

Destroy the journal to protect signer privacy before the deadline
Comply with the subpoena and provide the journal as required (Correct answer)
Refuse to provide the journal as it contains private signer information
Provide only the entries that do not involve the requesting party

Correct answer: Comply with the subpoena and provide the journal as required

A notary must comply with a valid court subpoena, which is a legal order that compels the production of records, including the notarial journal.

Question 23: When a notary verifies a signer's identity, what identification-related information should be recorded in the journal?

The type of ID presented and its relevant identifying details (Correct answer)
Only the signer's verbal confirmation of identity
The full number of every government ID the signer presents
No identification information is necessary in the journal

Correct answer: The type of ID presented and its relevant identifying details

The notary should record the type of identification used and relevant details such as the issuing state and expiration date, documenting how identity was verified.

Question 24: What is the best practice for a Kentucky notary public when verifying a signer's identity before notarizing a document?

Requesting a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport (Correct answer)
Asking the signer to verbally confirm their identity
Relying on personal recognition without requiring identification
Accepting any form of identification provided by the signer

Correct answer: Requesting a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport

The best practice for a Kentucky notary public when verifying a signer's identity is to request a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport. These documents provide reliable proof of identity with a photograph and are issued by official government agencies. This method significantly reduces the risk of fraud compared to other less secure options.

Question 25: If a Kentucky notary commission is lost or destroyed, what should the notary do?

Request a duplicate from the Secretary of State (Correct answer)
Contact the Governor's office
Apply for a completely new commission
Immediately cease all notarial acts

Correct answer: Request a duplicate from the Secretary of State

A notary whose commission is lost or destroyed should request a duplicate commission certificate from the Secretary of State.

Question 26: What is the term length for a notary public commission in Kentucky?

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

Correct answer: 4 years

In Kentucky, a notary public commission is valid for a term of four years. This fixed term ensures that notaries periodically renew their commission and remain compliant with current state laws and regulations. Notaries must reapply and meet all requirements to continue their service after this period.

Question 27: Can a Kentucky notary charge a fee for travel to perform a notarial act?

No, all fees are capped at the per-act rate
Only if the employer authorizes a travel fee
Yes, a reasonable travel fee may be charged if agreed upon in advance (Correct answer)
Yes, but only the IRS mileage rate is allowed

Correct answer: Yes, a reasonable travel fee may be charged if agreed upon in advance

A Kentucky notary may charge a separate travel fee for going to a signer's location, provided this is disclosed and agreed upon before the trip.

Question 28: Does a Kentucky notary's electronic seal need to meet the same requirements as a physical seal?

Electronic seals are not recognized in Kentucky
Only the notary's name is required on an electronic seal
Yes, the electronic seal must contain the same information as a physical seal (Correct answer)
No, electronic seals have no requirements

Correct answer: Yes, the electronic seal must contain the same information as a physical seal

An electronic notary seal in Kentucky must contain the same required information as a physical seal.

Question 29: Which electronic journal format would be most appropriate for a Kentucky notary performing remote online notarizations?

An electronic journal maintained through a state-approved RON platform (Correct answer)
Email threads exchanged between the notary and signer as documentation
A paper journal converted to PDF after completing each day's notarizations
Social media posts documenting details of each notarization session

Correct answer: An electronic journal maintained through a state-approved RON platform

Electronic journals maintained through approved Remote Online Notarization platforms are designed to meet the technical and legal requirements for documenting RON acts.

Question 30: How does maintaining a detailed notarial journal benefit a notary who is facing a legal complaint?

It eliminates the need for the notary to appear in any legal proceedings
It guarantees the notary will not be found liable for any misconduct
It provides documented contemporaneous evidence of how the notarial act was performed (Correct answer)
It automatically reduces the notary's fee obligations to the state

Correct answer: It provides documented contemporaneous evidence of how the notarial act was performed

A detailed journal provides contemporaneous documentary evidence of how notarial acts were performed, which can serve as a defense against false claims or professional complaints.

Question 31: Can an employer direct a Kentucky notary employee to not charge customers for notarial acts?

No, notaries set their own fees independently
Only if the notary agrees in their employment contract
Yes, employers may set notary fee policies for their business (Correct answer)
Only financial institutions may direct fee waivers

Correct answer: Yes, employers may set notary fee policies for their business

An employer who employs a notary may establish policies about fees, including requiring the notary to notarize for free for customers.

Question 32: What should a Kentucky notary public do if they are asked to notarize a document that is incomplete or has blank spaces?

Advise the signer to complete the document before notarization (Correct answer)
Sign and stamp the document but make a note of the incomplete sections
Notarize the document as is
Fill in the blanks on behalf of the signer

Correct answer: Advise the signer to complete the document before notarization

If a Kentucky notary public is asked to notarize a document that is incomplete or has blank spaces, they should advise the signer to complete the document before notarization. Notarizing an incomplete document can facilitate fraud and is against best notarial practices. The notary's role is to ensure the document is ready for notarization and that the signer understands its contents.

Question 33: What should a notary do if their notarial journal is lost or stolen?

Cease all notarial work permanently following the loss
Immediately purchase a new journal and continue working without further action
Report the loss promptly to appropriate authorities and the commissioning authority (Correct answer)
Continue notarizing without reporting the loss, as journals are voluntary

Correct answer: Report the loss promptly to appropriate authorities and the commissioning authority

A notary must promptly report the loss or theft of their journal because it contains sensitive personal information about signers and could be misused.

Question 34: Is a Kentucky notary required to post their fee schedule?

No, there is no requirement to post fees in Kentucky (Correct answer)
Only if they charge the maximum allowable fee
Yes, but only in electronic form online
Yes, fees must be posted in their place of business

Correct answer: No, there is no requirement to post fees in Kentucky

Kentucky law does not require notaries to post a fee schedule, though transparency with customers is best practice.

Question 35: Which of the following should be included in a notary's journal entry for each notarial act?

The notary's personal opinion of the signer's credibility
The signer's Social Security number for positive identification
The full text of the document being notarized
The date, type of notarial act, and name of the signer (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The date, type of notarial act, and name of the signer

A journal entry should include the date of the notarial act, the type of act performed, and the name of the person whose signature was notarized.

Question 36: When might a Kentucky notary public be ethically required to refuse to perform a notarization?

When the signer offers a higher fee for immediate service
When the signer has already signed the document before meeting the notary
When the signer is not in the physical presence of the notary (Correct answer)
When the document is written in a foreign language the notary does not understand

Correct answer: When the signer is not in the physical presence of the notary

A Kentucky notary public is ethically required to refuse to perform a notarization when the signer is not in their physical presence. Physical presence is a fundamental requirement for most notarial acts, ensuring the notary can properly identify the signer and witness their signature or oath. Without it, the notarial act is invalid and fraudulent.

Question 37: A Kentucky notary's commission is tied to which of the following?

The county where they most often perform notarial acts
The capital of Kentucky
Their employer's address
Their county of residence (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Their county of residence

A Kentucky notary's commission and county clerk filing are tied to their county of residence.

Question 38: Can a Kentucky notary notarize a document written in a foreign language?

Only if the notary is fluent in the foreign language
No, all notarized documents must be in English
Only with prior approval from the Secretary of State
Yes, provided the notary can verify the identity of the signer and the certificate is in English (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Yes, provided the notary can verify the identity of the signer and the certificate is in English

A Kentucky notary may notarize a foreign-language document as long as the signer's identity is properly verified and the notarial certificate is completed in English.

Question 39: Which of the following acts could constitute misconduct for a Kentucky notary?

Notarizing a document when the signer was not present (Correct answer)
Refusing to notarize a document without proper ID
Requiring the signer to sign in their presence
Charging the maximum allowable fee

Correct answer: Notarizing a document when the signer was not present

Notarizing without the signer's personal appearance is a serious form of misconduct that can result in commission revocation.

Question 40: What is the 'venue' on a Kentucky notarial certificate?

The courthouse where the document will be filed
The notary's office address
The state and county where the notarial act was performed (Correct answer)
The location where the document will be used

Correct answer: The state and county where the notarial act was performed

The venue identifies the state and county in which the notarial act was actually performed.

Question 41: Where should a Kentucky notary's commission expiration date appear on a document?

Only on the notary's personal records
It is not required to appear on documents
At the top of every page of the document
In the notarial certificate, near the notary's signature (Correct answer)

Correct answer: In the notarial certificate, near the notary's signature

The notary's commission expiration date must appear in the notarial certificate, typically near or below the notary's signature.

Question 42: Is a Kentucky notary required to charge a fee for notarial services?

Only government employees may notarize for free
Yes, fees must always be collected
No, notaries may perform acts for free if they choose (Correct answer)
Fees are waived only for non-profit organizations

Correct answer: No, notaries may perform acts for free if they choose

The statutory fee is a maximum, not a minimum, so a Kentucky notary may waive or reduce fees at their discretion.

Question 43: Under Kentucky RON rules, which of the following signers may NOT be served remotely?

A signer who is physically in Canada
A signer who appears to be under duress or coercion during the session (Correct answer)
A signer who speaks a foreign language
A signer located in another U.S. state

Correct answer: A signer who appears to be under duress or coercion during the session

A notary must refuse to proceed if the signer appears to be under duress or coercion, as voluntary action is a prerequisite for a valid notarial act.

Question 44: How long is a Kentucky notary public commission term?

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

Correct answer: 4 years

A Kentucky notary public commission lasts for four years from the date of appointment.

Question 45: For remote online notarizations in Kentucky, what must a notary maintain as a record?

An audio-visual recording of the notarial act (Correct answer)
A certified copy of every notarized document
A paper journal co-signed by the signer
A sworn affidavit from the signer confirming identity

Correct answer: An audio-visual recording of the notarial act

Kentucky law requires notaries performing remote online notarizations to maintain audio-visual recordings of each notarial act.

Question 46: What must a Kentucky notary do if their printed name differs from the name on their seal?

Use the legal name on the document and explain in a note
Both names are acceptable without any correction
Correct the discrepancy by obtaining a matching seal (Correct answer)
Use the seal name only

Correct answer: Correct the discrepancy by obtaining a matching seal

A Kentucky notary should ensure their seal matches their commissioned name to avoid discrepancies in official documents.

Question 47: What is the application fee to obtain a Kentucky notary commission?

Free
$10
$28 (Correct answer)
$75

Correct answer: $28

The Kentucky Secretary of State charges a $28 application fee for a notary public commission.

Question 48: What information about a notarized document should typically be recorded in a journal entry?

The complete verbatim text of the entire document
A photocopy of every page of the document
The appraised financial value of assets referenced in the document
The type or title of the document being notarized (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The type or title of the document being notarized

The journal should record the type or title of the document (e.g., 'deed,' 'power of attorney') to identify what was notarized without reproducing confidential content.

Question 49: Where must a Kentucky notary public file their commission and bond?

With the Governor's office
With the Circuit Court
With the Secretary of State
With the County Clerk in their county of residence (Correct answer)

Correct answer: With the County Clerk in their county of residence

A Kentucky notary must file their commission, oath, and bond with the County Clerk in the county where they reside.

Question 50: A friend asks a Kentucky notary public to backdate a notarization to meet a deadline. What is the ethical course of action for the notary?

Backdate the notarization as a favor to the friend
Refuse and explain that backdating is illegal (Correct answer)
Ask the friend to sign a waiver before backdating
Backdate the notarization but charge a higher fee

Correct answer: Refuse and explain that backdating is illegal

Backdating a notarization is illegal and unethical, as it falsifies the date of the notarial act. A Kentucky notary public must refuse such a request and explain that the act must reflect the actual date it was performed. Maintaining accurate records and adhering to legal requirements is crucial for a notary's integrity.

Kentucky Notary Public Knowledge Assessment

A comprehensive knowledge assessment covering Kentucky notary law under KRS Chapter 423, testing competency in notarial acts, record keeping, appointment requirements, fees, and notary liability for those seeking or renewing a Kentucky notary commission.

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