Michigan Notary Public Knowledge Test — Questions and Answers

Question 1: A signer presents a current passport issued by a foreign country to a Michigan notary. What should the notary do?

Refuse because only U.S.-issued documents are acceptable
Accept it as satisfactory evidence if it is current and contains a photo (Correct answer)
Contact the Secretary of State's office for authorization before proceeding
Require a U.S. document in addition to the foreign passport

Correct answer: Accept it as satisfactory evidence if it is current and contains a photo

A current foreign passport containing a photograph may be accepted as satisfactory evidence of identity under Michigan notary standards.

Question 2: Which of the following best describes the primary role of a Notary Public in Michigan?

To act as an impartial witness (Correct answer)
To serve as a legal advisor
To provide financial services
To enforce state laws

Correct answer: To act as an impartial witness

The primary role of a Notary Public in Michigan is to serve as an impartial witness to the signing of documents. This involves verifying the identity of the signer, ensuring they are signing willingly, and administering oaths or affirmations when required. Notaries do not provide legal advice, financial services, or enforce laws.

Question 3: Under Michigan law, what is the penalty for a notary who knowingly makes a false notarial act?

Civil fine only
A warning letter from the Secretary of State
Loss of commission only
Criminal prosecution for a misdemeanor or felony and revocation of commission (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Criminal prosecution for a misdemeanor or felony and revocation of commission

A Michigan notary who willfully makes a false notarization may face criminal charges and revocation of their notary commission.

Question 4: What does 'personal knowledge' mean when a Michigan notary uses it to establish a signer's identity?

The notary has sufficient acquaintance with the signer to identify them without documentary evidence (Correct answer)
The notary has previously seen the signer's driver's license
The notary has verified the signer's identity through a background check
The notary has worked with the signer professionally for at least one year

Correct answer: The notary has sufficient acquaintance with the signer to identify them without documentary evidence

Personal knowledge means the notary has sufficient acquaintance with the individual to identify them without requiring documentary evidence.

Question 5: What is the minimum age requirement to become a notary public in Michigan?

25
16
18 (Correct answer)
21

Correct answer: 18

An applicant must be at least 18 years old to be appointed as a notary public in Michigan.

Question 6: What should a Michigan notary do if a signer appears to be under duress?

Refuse to notarize the document (Correct answer)
Proceed with the notarization to avoid conflict
Ask the signer to return when they are calmer
Notarize the document and report the situation later

Correct answer: Refuse to notarize the document

A Michigan notary must refuse to notarize a document if they suspect the signer is under duress or coercion. Notaries have a duty to ensure that signers are acting freely and willingly. Proceeding with a notarization under such circumstances would violate ethical standards and could invalidate the document.

Question 7: Which information MUST appear on a Michigan notary's official seal?

The notary's name, address, and commission number
The notary's commission expiration date only
The notary's name, 'State of Michigan', and 'Notary Public' (Correct answer)
The notary's name and county only

Correct answer: The notary's name, 'State of Michigan', and 'Notary Public'

A Michigan notary seal must display the notary's name, the words 'Notary Public', and 'State of Michigan'.

Question 8: How can a Michigan notary minimize the risk of liability when notarizing a document?

By notarizing as quickly as possible
By avoiding keeping records of notarizations
By thoroughly following state laws and best practices for notarial acts (Correct answer)
By notarizing documents for friends without checking ID

Correct answer: By thoroughly following state laws and best practices for notarial acts

To minimize the risk of liability, a Michigan notary must diligently adhere to all state laws governing notarial acts and follow established best practices. This includes properly identifying signers, ensuring willingness, maintaining accurate records, and correctly completing certificates. Strict adherence to these guidelines demonstrates due diligence and protects the notary.

Question 9: Under Michigan law, a notary public's authority can be terminated in which of the following ways?

Only by the Secretary of State's decision
By expiration, resignation, revocation, or death of the notary (Correct answer)
By a court order only
By expiration of the commission only

Correct answer: By expiration, resignation, revocation, or death of the notary

A Michigan notary commission ends upon expiration of the term, the notary's voluntary resignation, revocation by the Secretary of State, or the notary's death.

Question 10: What is the maximum fee a Michigan notary may charge for a remote online notarial act?

$25 (Correct answer)
No limit for RON acts
$10 (same as in-person)
$30

Correct answer: $25

Michigan law sets the maximum fee for a remote online notarial act at $25, which is higher than the standard in-person fee.

Question 11: May a Michigan notary's seal be used by another person to notarize a document?

Only with the county clerk's permission
Yes, if authorized by the notary in writing
No, the seal is personal and may only be used by the commissioned notary (Correct answer)
Yes, if the notary is unavailable and another notary uses it

Correct answer: No, the seal is personal and may only be used by the commissioned notary

A notary's official seal is personal and may only be used by the notary to whom it was issued—no delegation is permitted.

Question 12: If a Michigan notary is sued for an error made during a notarization, what is one key piece of evidence that could help their defense?

A notarized statement from the signer
The notary’s journal entry documenting the notarization (Correct answer)
The notary’s personal testimony alone
The notarized document itself

Correct answer: The notary’s journal entry documenting the notarization

A notary's journal is a critical record of all notarial acts performed. In Michigan, maintaining a detailed journal, though not always strictly mandated, is a best practice that provides concrete evidence of the notarization process. This journal entry can serve as vital proof of due diligence and proper procedure, significantly aiding a notary's defense in case of a lawsuit.

Question 13: A Michigan notary performs 10 acknowledgments in a single session for one client. What is the maximum they may charge?

$50 for the session
$10 total for the session
$100 for the session (Correct answer)
An unlimited amount since it is a bulk service

Correct answer: $100 for the session

Each acknowledgment is a separate notarial act at up to $10 each, so 10 acts would allow a maximum charge of $100.

Question 14: Under Michigan law, what does 'acknowledgment' specifically mean in a notarial context?

The signer declares to the notary that they signed the document voluntarily and for its stated purpose (Correct answer)
The signer swears that the facts in the document are true
The notary verifies the content of the document is accurate
The notary witnesses the signer's signature

Correct answer: The signer declares to the notary that they signed the document voluntarily and for its stated purpose

An acknowledgment is the signer's declaration before the notary that they signed the document voluntarily and for its stated purpose.

Question 15: What should a Michigan notary do if their official seal is lost or stolen?

Continue using a new seal with no notification required
Report to the county clerk only
Notify the Secretary of State and obtain a new seal (Correct answer)
Resign their commission immediately

Correct answer: Notify the Secretary of State and obtain a new seal

If a notary's seal is lost or stolen, they should notify the Secretary of State and obtain a replacement seal promptly.

Question 16: For a Michigan RON session, what must the notary do if the identity verification process fails?

Submit the issue to the Secretary of State
Ask a second notary to verify
Refuse to perform the notarization (Correct answer)
Proceed anyway if the signer verbally confirms their identity

Correct answer: Refuse to perform the notarization

If the identity proofing process (KBA or credential analysis) fails, the Michigan notary must decline to perform the notarization.

Question 17: What is the ethical action for a Michigan notary if they suspect a signer is being coerced?

Ignore the suspicion and complete the notarization
Ask the coercer to leave the room
Proceed with the notarization to avoid conflict
Refuse to notarize the document (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Refuse to notarize the document

If a Michigan notary suspects a signer is being coerced, they have an ethical and legal obligation to refuse the notarization. A core principle of notarization is ensuring the signer acts freely and willingly. Proceeding under suspicion of coercion would compromise the integrity of the act and could render the document invalid.

Question 18: What Michigan law protects a notary's surety bond company if the notary commits a wrongful act?

The notary's employer is always responsible for repaying the surety
The state indemnifies the surety for all claims
The surety has no recourse against the notary
The surety bond company may seek reimbursement (subrogation) from the notary after paying a claim (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The surety bond company may seek reimbursement (subrogation) from the notary after paying a claim

Under subrogation principles, after a surety pays a claim resulting from the notary's wrongful act, the surety may seek reimbursement directly from the notary.

Question 19: If a Michigan notary charges a fee for a notarial act, what information related to the fee should appear in the notary journal?

Both the fee and the notary's bank information
No fee information is required in the journal
The amount of the fee charged (Correct answer)
The method of payment used

Correct answer: The amount of the fee charged

Best practice and Michigan guidelines call for the notary to record the fee charged in their journal entry for each notarial act.

Question 20: What is the term for notarization performed using audio-video technology where the signer is in a different location than the notary?

Electronic notarization
Remote online notarization (RON) (Correct answer)
Virtual witnessing
Digital acknowledgment

Correct answer: Remote online notarization (RON)

Remote Online Notarization (RON) allows a notary and signer to complete a notarial act via real-time audio-video communication.

Question 21: Can a Michigan notary perform a remote online notarization for a signer located in another country?

Only if the document will be used in Michigan
Yes, Michigan RON law permits international signers (Correct answer)
Only in countries with U.S. notary reciprocity agreements
No, RON is limited to signers within the United States

Correct answer: Yes, Michigan RON law permits international signers

Michigan's RON statute allows notarizations for signers located outside the United States, provided all other requirements are met.

Question 22: What is the maximum fee a Michigan notary may charge for a certified copy of an entry in their notarial journal?

$1 per page
No fee is permitted for journal copies
$5
$10 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: $10

Michigan notaries may charge up to $10 for providing a certified copy of a journal entry.

Question 23: Under Michigan RON law, who is responsible for maintaining the audio-video recording of the remote session?

The Secretary of State's office
The document signer
The RON technology provider or the notary (Correct answer)
The county clerk's office

Correct answer: The RON technology provider or the notary

Either the RON technology provider or the notary themselves must retain the audio-video recording for the required period under Michigan law.

Question 24: When did Michigan authorize remote online notarization?

2018
2020 (Correct answer)
2022
2015

Correct answer: 2020

Michigan enacted legislation authorizing remote online notarization in 2020, allowing notaries to serve signers located elsewhere.

Question 25: What additional journal entry requirement applies to Michigan RON notarizations compared to in-person notarizations?

No additional requirements
The type of identity proofing used must be noted (Correct answer)
A separate RON-specific journal must be maintained
The signer's social security number must be recorded

Correct answer: The type of identity proofing used must be noted

For RON acts, Michigan notaries must record in their journal the type of identity proofing method used (KBA, credential analysis, or both).

Question 26: A Michigan notary performing RON must use a platform that has been approved by which authority?

County clerk
Department of Technology
Michigan Supreme Court
Secretary of State (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Secretary of State

RON platforms used by Michigan notaries must meet standards set and approved by the Michigan Secretary of State.

Question 27: What is one of the primary sources of liability for Michigan notaries?

Charging high fees
Not maintaining a dress code
Making errors in the notarization process (Correct answer)
Refusing to notarize documents

Correct answer: Making errors in the notarization process

One of the primary sources of liability for Michigan notaries is making errors or omissions during the notarization process. This can include failing to properly identify a signer, neglecting to administer an oath, or incorrectly completing the notarial certificate. Such errors can lead to legal challenges, financial damages, and disciplinary action against the notary.

Question 28: Which of the following is a common notarial act performed by Michigan notaries?

Administering oaths and affirmations (Correct answer)
Providing financial advice
Marriage ceremonies
Preparing tax returns

Correct answer: Administering oaths and affirmations

Administering oaths and affirmations is a common and fundamental notarial act in Michigan. This involves the notary formally asking a person to swear or affirm that the statements in a document are true, or that they will perform a duty faithfully. This act adds legal weight and credibility to sworn statements and affidavits.

Question 29: What is the significance of the 'notarial certificate' in a Michigan notarial act?

It is optional language the notary may add
It is the official statement that documents the type of act performed, the date, and the notary's authority (Correct answer)
It is the signer's acknowledgment of the document's contents
It refers only to the notary's commission document

Correct answer: It is the official statement that documents the type of act performed, the date, and the notary's authority

The notarial certificate is the required wording that identifies the type of notarial act, date, and the notary's identity and authority.

Question 30: A Michigan notary applicant must be a citizen or legal resident of which country?

Any country
United States only (Correct answer)
United States or Canada
United States or a country with reciprocal agreements

Correct answer: United States only

Michigan law requires notary applicants to be citizens or legal permanent residents of the United States.

Question 31: What happens to a Michigan notary commission if the notary is convicted of a felony?

The notary is fined but may continue
The commission is immediately revoked (Correct answer)
Nothing until the next renewal
The commission is automatically suspended

Correct answer: The commission is immediately revoked

A felony conviction results in the immediate revocation of a Michigan notary's commission.

Question 32: What should a Michigan notary do if a close friend asks them to notarize a document that the notary knows contains false information?

Refuse to notarize and explain the reason to their friend (Correct answer)
Ask the friend to change the information
Notarize it but make a note in their journal
Notarize it to help their friend

Correct answer: Refuse to notarize and explain the reason to their friend

A Michigan notary must refuse to notarize a document if they know it contains false information, even if requested by a friend. Notaries have a duty to uphold the law and maintain the integrity of the notarial act. Notarizing a document known to be false would be unethical, illegal, and could lead to severe penalties.

Question 33: What process does a Michigan notary performing RON use to verify the remote signer's identity?

Government database lookup by the notary
Knowledge-based authentication (KBA) or credential analysis (Correct answer)
A phone call to confirm identity
Personal knowledge only

Correct answer: Knowledge-based authentication (KBA) or credential analysis

Michigan RON requires identity proofing through knowledge-based authentication (KBA) and/or credential analysis tools provided by an approved RON platform.

Question 34: Is it ethical for a Michigan notary to charge more than the state’s maximum allowed fee for notarization?

Only for urgent services
Yes, if they provide additional services
Yes, if the client agrees to the higher fee
No, it is against state law and ethical standards (Correct answer)

Correct answer: No, it is against state law and ethical standards

It is illegal and unethical for a Michigan notary to charge more than the maximum fee allowed by state law for a notarial act. State statutes set specific fee limits to ensure fair access to notarial services. Charging excessive fees can result in disciplinary action, fines, or even revocation of the notary's commission.

Question 35: Which of the following documents CANNOT be notarized using Michigan's remote online notarization process?

Wills requiring witnesses under Michigan law (Correct answer)
Real estate deeds
Powers of attorney
Loan documents

Correct answer: Wills requiring witnesses under Michigan law

Certain testamentary documents such as wills may have additional requirements under Michigan law that make them ineligible for standard RON.

Question 36: Which of the following is considered acceptable satisfactory evidence of identity for a signer appearing before a Michigan notary?

Voter registration card
Current U.S. passport (Correct answer)
Social Security card
Birth certificate

Correct answer: Current U.S. passport

A current U.S. passport is a government-issued photo ID that qualifies as satisfactory evidence of identity under Michigan notary standards.

Question 37: What is the time frame within which a Notary Public in Michigan must notify the Secretary of State's office of an address change?

30 days (Correct answer)
15 days
90 days
60 days

Correct answer: 30 days

A Notary Public in Michigan is required to notify the Secretary of State's office of any change in their residential or business address within 30 days. This ensures that the state can maintain accurate records of commissioned notaries and communicate important information effectively. Failure to do so can result in penalties.

Question 38: How long must a Michigan notary retain the audio-video recording of a remote online notarization?

5 years
10 years (Correct answer)
1 year
3 years

Correct answer: 10 years

Michigan law requires the audio-video recording of each RON session to be retained for a minimum of 10 years.

Question 39: What is the primary duty of a Michigan notary public when performing a notarial act?

To draft legal documents
To verify the identity of the signer and witness the signing of documents (Correct answer)
To provide legal advice
To file documents with the court

Correct answer: To verify the identity of the signer and witness the signing of documents

The primary duty of a Michigan notary public is to act as an impartial witness to the signing of important documents. This involves verifying the identity of the signer to prevent fraud and ensuring that the signer appears willing and aware of what they are signing. Notaries do not provide legal advice or draft documents.

Question 40: What bond amount is required for a Michigan notary public?

$10,000 (Correct answer)
$15,000
$25,000
$5,000

Correct answer: $10,000

Michigan notaries are required to obtain a $10,000 surety bond before their commission becomes effective.

Question 41: Can an employer prohibit a notary-employee from charging fees for notarizations performed during work hours?

No, the notary has a statutory right to charge fees
Only if the employer is a government agency
Only if the notary is compensated separately for notarial work
Yes, an employer may restrict fee collection during work time (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Yes, an employer may restrict fee collection during work time

An employer may legitimately restrict an employee-notary from charging personal fees for notarizations performed on company time.

Question 42: What must a Michigan notary include in the notarial certificate in addition to their seal and signature?

The document's title
The document's page count
The signer's date of birth
Their commission expiration date (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Their commission expiration date

Michigan notaries must include their commission expiration date in the notarial certificate language.

Question 43: What type of seal impression must a Michigan notary use—inked stamp or embossing?

Only an inked rubber stamp
Only a pre-printed adhesive seal
Only an embosser (crimper)
Either an inked stamp or an embossing seal (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Either an inked stamp or an embossing seal

Michigan law allows notaries to use either an inked (rubber stamp) seal or an embossing (crimping) seal for official acts.

Question 44: Is a Michigan notary's signature alone (without a seal) sufficient to authenticate a notarial act?

No, both the signature and seal are required (Correct answer)
Only if the notary's name is typed below the signature
Only for jurats, not acknowledgments
Yes, the signature alone is sufficient

Correct answer: No, both the signature and seal are required

Michigan requires both the notary's official seal impression and signature to properly authenticate a notarial act.

Question 45: Which statement about a credible witness in Michigan notarial practice is CORRECT?

The credible witness must be a relative of the signer
The credible witness must be personally known to the notary (Correct answer)
Two credible witnesses are always required when documentary ID is unavailable
The credible witness must present their own valid ID to the notary

Correct answer: The credible witness must be personally known to the notary

Under Michigan law, a credible witness must be personally known to the notary in order to serve as an alternative means of establishing the signer's identity.

Question 46: How can a Michigan notary protect themselves when notarizing a document for someone with limited English proficiency?

Sign the document for them
Use a translator, ensure the signer understands the document, and document the process carefully (Correct answer)
Notarize the document without any additional steps
Avoid notarizing for non-English speakers

Correct answer: Use a translator, ensure the signer understands the document, and document the process carefully

When notarizing for someone with limited English proficiency, a Michigan notary should ensure the signer fully understands the document's nature and purpose. Using a neutral, third-party translator is a best practice, and the notary should document all steps taken, including the use of a translator, in their journal. This helps protect both the signer and the notary from misunderstandings and potential liability.

Question 47: What must a Michigan notary include in their notarial certificate?

The fee charged for the notarization
The notary’s Social Security number
Only the notary’s signature
The notary’s name and title, the date, and the notary’s seal (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The notary’s name and title, the date, and the notary’s seal

A Michigan notary's certificate must include specific information to be valid and complete. This typically includes the notary's printed name, their official title (Notary Public), the date of the notarization, and their official seal or stamp. These elements authenticate the notarial act and provide essential details for record-keeping and verification.

Question 48: How does a Michigan notary acknowledge a signature on a document?

By asking the signer to verbally confirm they signed
By leaving the document unsigned
By signing on behalf of the signer
By witnessing the signature and then stamping and signing the document (Correct answer)

Correct answer: By witnessing the signature and then stamping and signing the document

When acknowledging a signature, a Michigan notary verifies the signer's identity and witnesses them signing the document, or confirms that the signature is theirs. After confirming these elements, the notary then affixes their official seal and signature to the notarial certificate. This process attests that the signature was made willingly by the identified individual.

Question 49: Which Michigan law authorizes the use of electronic documents and electronic signatures in notarial acts?

Michigan E-Sign Implementation Act
Michigan Electronic Notarization Act (MENA)
Michigan Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA) (Correct answer)
Michigan Digital Commerce Act

Correct answer: Michigan Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA)

Michigan adopted the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA), which provides the legal framework for electronic signatures and documents used in notarial acts.

Question 50: What action should a Michigan notary take if their notary seal is lost or stolen?

Report it to the Secretary of State immediately (Correct answer)
Notify the police but continue using the old seal
Use a temporary seal until a new one is ordered
Do nothing and continue notarizing

Correct answer: Report it to the Secretary of State immediately

If a Michigan notary's seal is lost or stolen, they are legally required to report it to the Michigan Secretary of State immediately. This action is crucial to prevent fraudulent use of the seal and to protect the notary from potential liability. Prompt reporting helps maintain the integrity of the notarial office.

Michigan Notary Public Knowledge Test

The Michigan Notary Public Knowledge Test evaluates candidates on Michigan notary laws, notarial acts and procedures, liability and risk management, electronic and remote notarization, and record-keeping requirements as governed by the Michigan Notary Public Act (PA 238 of 2003).

Questions

60 min

Time Limit

80%

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These practice questions were written with AI tools. They are not real exam questions. Exam facts are checked against the official sources listed below. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy

Sources & references

Exam facts on this page (fees, format, dates, passing scores) are checked against these official sources; the date is our last check. Editorial policy

michigan.gov — Renewal, score validity, test delivery, fees · verified Oct 2026
legislature.mi.gov — Fees · verified Oct 2026