ND NOTARY Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. A North Dakota notary is presented with a mortgage document that has blank spaces in the body of the text. What should the notary do? → Refuse to notarize until all blanks are filled in
2. Under North Dakota law, what must a notary do when a signer appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs? → Refuse to perform the notarization
3. When a North Dakota notary performs a remote online notarization, how must the signer's identity be verified? → Through knowledge-based authentication (KBA) and/or credential analysis
4. A signer presents a valid passport as identification but the notary personally knows the person used a different name professionally. What should the notary do? → Accept the passport as satisfactory evidence of identity and proceed
5. In North Dakota, can a notary administer an oath for a deposition? → Yes, notaries have the authority to administer oaths for depositions
6. A North Dakota notary who has allowed their commission to expire performs a notarization. Which statement is correct? → The notarization is invalid because the commission has lapsed
7. A North Dakota notary is presented with a document that has blank spaces where text should appear. What should the notary do? → Refuse to notarize until all blanks are completed or crossed out
8. What is the notary's liability if they perform a notarial act negligently in North Dakota? → The notary may be personally liable for damages caused by their negligence
9. Which of the following is a requirement for performing a valid notarial act in North Dakota? → The notary must be physically present with the signer
10. What is the primary purpose of a notary stamp or seal? → To authenticate the notarial act
11. In North Dakota, which of the following correctly describes the difference between a notary's acknowledgment and a jurat? → A jurat requires an oath or affirmation; an acknowledgment does not
12. In a North Dakota RON session, what must the notary verify about the signer's audio-visual technology before proceeding? → That the technology allows real-time, clear two-way audio and video communication
13. A North Dakota notary is asked to notarize a 'mechanic's lien.' Who typically signs this document? → The contractor or material supplier who is owed payment
14. How should a North Dakota notary handle a request to backdate a notarial certificate? → Refuse, as backdating is fraudulent and violates notary law
15. Can a North Dakota notary charge fees for their services? → Yes, but fees must not exceed the maximum amounts set by state law
16. How long is the term of a notary public commission in North Dakota? → 6 years
17. What is the purpose of the 'commission expiration date' that a North Dakota notary must include on every notarial certificate? → To allow document recipients to verify the notary was commissioned at the time of the act
18. Which of the following is an example of a knowledge-based authentication (KBA) question used during RON identity verification? → What was the address of a home you previously owned?
19. Can a North Dakota notary identify a signer based solely on personal knowledge? → Yes, personal knowledge of the signer is an acceptable form of identification
20. A North Dakota notary is asked to notarize a document using an electronic notarization platform. Which element must the notary's electronic seal include? → The notary's commission expiration date
21. Under North Dakota RON rules, who is responsible for maintaining the approved technology platform used for remote online notarizations? → The individual notary public
22. What is the purpose of a subordination agreement that a notary may be asked to notarize? → It establishes the priority order of liens on a property
23. What action should a notary take if they are asked to notarize a document in which they have a personal or financial interest? → Refuse to notarize the document
24. After a North Dakota notary commission expires, what must the notary do with their official stamp or seal? → Destroy or deface the seal so it cannot be used for unauthorized notarizations
25. What happens to an electronic notarization if the notary's digital certificate has expired at the time of signing? → The notarization is invalid because the certificate must be active
26. How can a notary ensure their electronic notarization complies with North Dakota laws? → By following guidelines set forth by the North Dakota Secretary of State
27. Which of the following would make an individual ineligible to receive a North Dakota notary commission? → Being under indictment for or convicted of a felony without having rights restored
28. In North Dakota, can an expired ID be used for notarization purposes? → Generally no, the ID should be current and unexpired
29. A notary in North Dakota uses an ink stamp seal. Which information is NOT typically required on the stamp? → Notary's home phone number
30. What is the primary purpose of an acknowledgment in a notarized document? → To confirm the signer’s understanding and willingness