KY Notary Notary Seal and Certificate Requirements 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Where should a Kentucky notary's commission expiration date appear on a document?
- Only on the notary's personal records
- In the notarial certificate, near the notary's signature (Correct answer)
- At the top of every page of the document
- It is not required to appear on documents
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 2: What must a Kentucky notary do if their printed name differs from the name on their seal?
- Use the seal name only
- Correct the discrepancy by obtaining a matching seal (Correct answer)
- Use the legal name on the document and explain in a note
- Both names are acceptable without any correction
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 3: If a notary certificate is incomplete on a document presented to a Kentucky notary, what should the notary do?
- Refuse to notarize
- Complete or attach a proper certificate before signing and sealing (Correct answer)
- Cross out the incomplete certificate and write 'void'
- Sign without a certificate if the document is otherwise complete
Correct answer: Complete or attach a proper certificate before signing and sealing
The notary should complete the existing certificate or attach a separate, complete certificate to remedy the deficiency before notarizing.
Question 4: Can a Kentucky notary use their seal on a document with blank spaces that could be filled in later?
- Yes, if the signer promises not to alter it
- No, all blanks must be completed or crossed out before notarization (Correct answer)
- Yes, if the document is a government form
- Only if the notary's employer authorizes it
Correct answer: No, all blanks must be completed or crossed out before notarization
A Kentucky notary must ensure all material blanks are completed or struck through before affixing their signature and seal.
Question 5: Does a Kentucky notary's electronic seal need to meet the same requirements as a physical seal?
- No, electronic seals have no requirements
- Yes, the electronic seal must contain the same information as a physical seal (Correct answer)
- Only the notary's name is required on an electronic seal
- Electronic seals are not recognized in Kentucky
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 6: What does a notarial certificate for an acknowledgment in Kentucky typically include?
- A statement that the signer is a U.S. citizen
- A statement that the signer personally appeared and acknowledged the document as their free act (Correct answer)
- A list of all witnesses present
- The document's filing number
Correct answer: A statement that the signer personally appeared and acknowledged the document as their free act
An acknowledgment certificate confirms the signer personally appeared before the notary and acknowledged the document as their voluntary act.
Where should a Kentucky notary's commission expiration date appear on a document?