MD Notary MD Notary Signature Witnessing and Special Acts

Question 1

Which notarial act involves a Maryland notary witnessing a signer place their signature on a document?

Accepted Answer

Witnessing or attesting a signature

Answer

Acknowledgment

Answer

Jurat

Answer

Certified copy

Question 2

What must a Maryland notary verify before witnessing a signature?

Accepted Answer

The identity of the signer using satisfactory evidence

Answer

That the document was prepared by an attorney

Answer

That the document has no blanks

Answer

That the signer owns the property described in the document

Question 3

A Maryland notary is asked to administer an oath of office to a newly elected local official. Is this within a Maryland notary's authority?

Accepted Answer

Yes, administering oaths is one of the notarial acts authorized in Maryland

Answer

No, oaths of office may only be administered by judges

Answer

No, notaries can only administer oaths connected to documents

Answer

Yes, but only if the notary is also an attorney

Question 4

Which of the following describes the 'copy certification by document custodian' process in Maryland?

Accepted Answer

A notary witnesses a person swear that a copy of a document they hold is a true and complete copy

Answer

A notary independently compares the copy to the original and certifies accuracy

Answer

A notary certifies that an official record is authentic

Answer

A notary stamps a copy and affirms it is certified without a signer oath

Question 5

When may a Maryland notary certify a copy of a vital record such as a birth certificate?

Accepted Answer

A Maryland notary may NOT certify copies of vital records; these must come from the official custodian

Answer

When the original is presented and the notary compares them

Answer

When requested by a court

Answer

Only if the custodian cannot provide a certified copy within 30 days

Question 6

A Maryland notary is asked to notarize a power of attorney for someone who is in a hospital bed and appears confused. What should the notary do?

Accepted Answer

Decline to notarize if there are reasonable grounds to believe the signer lacks capacity or is under duress

Answer

Proceed if the document was prepared by an attorney

Answer

Proceed if a family member confirms the signer's capacity

Answer

Require a physician's letter before proceeding