MS NOTARY Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield MS NOTARY facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Can a notary help a signer fill in blank spaces on a legal document? → No, this constitutes document preparation which is the practice of law
2. In a Mississippi notary journal, entries must be made in what manner? → Chronologically, at the time of the notarial act
3. A notary's spouse is the grantee on a warranty deed. May the Mississippi notary notarize the grantor's signature? → No, because the notary's spouse is a party to the transaction
4. A Mississippi notary identifies a signer using a passport. What should the journal entry record about identification? → The method of identification, such as the type of ID presented
5. In an acknowledgment, what is the signer actually declaring to the Mississippi notary? → That they signed the document willingly for its stated purpose
6. A tangible journal used by a Mississippi notary should have which physical feature? → A permanent binding with numbered pages
7. When should a notary use a seal? → Whenever notarizing any document, as required by state law
8. A signer refuses to raise their hand or swear on religious grounds before a jurat. What should the Mississippi notary do? → Offer an affirmation, which has the same legal effect as an oath
9. Why does Mississippi disqualify notaries who have a beneficial interest in a document they notarize? → To preserve the notary's impartiality as an unbiased official witness
10. A signer with a broken arm asks someone else to sign on their behalf in the notary's presence. What ethical concern must the notary address first? → Confirming state law permits signature by proxy and that the signer clearly directs it
11. What is the difference between an oath and an affirmation in a Mississippi notarization? → An oath invokes a deity while an affirmation is a solemn promise on personal honor
12. How must a Mississippi notary store their commission certificate? → Kept in a secure location accessible when needed
13. If a Mississippi certificate's pre-printed wording states facts the notary knows are false (e.g., the signer did not personally appear), the notary should: → Decline to complete the certificate until the facts stated in it are true
14. A notary maintains a stack of pre-printed affidavit templates and helps customers pick the right one for their situation. The violation occurs when the notary: → Selects the template based on the customer's legal circumstances
15. After a Mississippi notary resigns her commission mid-term, may she keep using her stamp to 'finish out' pending documents? → No; her authority ends with the commission and the stamp must be disabled
16. A Mississippi notary applicant who does not reside in the state but has a principal place of business there must provide proof of: → Their Mississippi business address and location
17. A Mississippi notary makes an error while writing a journal entry. What is the best correction method? → Draw a single line through the error, write the correction, and initial it
18. During a loan signing, the borrower asks the notary whether the interest rate is good and whether they should sign. The notary should: → Decline to advise and suggest the borrower direct questions to the lender or an attorney
19. When must a Mississippi notary complete the notarial certificate for an act? → Contemporaneously with the performance of the notarial act
20. A signer appears confused, cannot explain the document, and seems unaware of what they are signing. What is the proper action for the Mississippi notary? → Refuse to perform the notarial act because the signer does not appear competent or aware
21. Which document is filed along with the notary application to demonstrate financial responsibility? → A surety bond
22. How long must a notary retain their journal records? → For the period specified by state law, typically 7-10 years after the last entry
23. Which of these is an example of a Mississippi notary exceeding their authority? → Certifying that a will is legally valid
24. What is the legal significance of the notary's signature and seal on an acknowledgment certificate? → It certifies the facts stated in the certificate occurred as written
25. An employer directs a notary employee to notarize documents for customers who mailed them in, saying 'we do this all the time.' The notary should: → Refuse, because employer instructions never override the personal appearance requirement
26. A signer presents a temporary paper driver's license without a photo. What is the notary's soundest approach? → Treat it as insufficient alone and require additional acceptable identification
27. Must a notary include a thumbprint in their journal? → Only if required by state law; some states mandate it for certain documents
28. Which action related to fees would most likely be considered notarial misconduct in Mississippi? → Demanding an extra payment to backdate a notarial certificate
29. A Mississippi notary completes an acknowledgment but forgets to affix the official stamp. What is the status of the notarial certificate? → It is incomplete because the stamp is a required element of the certificate
30. Which behavior by a signer should prompt a notary to slow down and verify more carefully? → The signer seems confused about the document and is being pressured by a companion