ND Notary Notary Appointment and Commission Requirements 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the purpose of the surety bond required of North Dakota notary public applicants?
- To pay the notary's state salary
- To fund the Secretary of State's operations
- To protect the public against financial harm from notary errors or misconduct (Correct answer)
- To cover the cost of the notary's official seal
Correct answer: To protect the public against financial harm from notary errors or misconduct
The surety bond protects members of the public who suffer financial loss due to a notary's negligent or improper performance of duties.
Question 2: With which office must a North Dakota notary's oath and surety bond be filed?
- The county courthouse
- The Secretary of State's office (Correct answer)
- The State Bar Association
- The local district court
Correct answer: The Secretary of State's office
Both the oath of office and the surety bond must be filed with the North Dakota Secretary of State to activate the commission.
Question 3: If a North Dakota notary public changes their legal name, what is the proper course of action?
- Apply for a completely new commission from the beginning
- Notify the Secretary of State and update their official signature and seal accordingly (Correct answer)
- Continue using the former name for the remainder of the commission
- File a name change only with the county recorder
Correct answer: Notify the Secretary of State and update their official signature and seal accordingly
A notary must notify the Secretary of State of a legal name change and update their official signature and seal to reflect the new name.
Question 4: How should a North Dakota notary notify the Secretary of State of a change of address?
- By phone within 10 days
- In writing within 30 days (Correct answer)
- By email only
- No notification is required during an active commission
Correct answer: In writing within 30 days
North Dakota notaries are required to notify the Secretary of State in writing within 30 days of any change of address.
Question 5: Which of the following would make an individual ineligible to receive a North Dakota notary commission?
- Being a non-attorney
- Working only part-time
- Being under indictment for or convicted of a felony without having rights restored (Correct answer)
- Living in a rural county
Correct answer: Being under indictment for or convicted of a felony without having rights restored
A person under felony indictment or with an unrestored felony conviction does not meet the good character requirement for a notary commission.
Question 6: Can a North Dakota notary commission be renewed upon expiration?
- No, a new application must be filed as if applying for the first time
- Yes, but only once per lifetime
- Yes, it can be renewed indefinitely as long as the notary continues to meet requirements (Correct answer)
- Yes, but only if no complaints have been filed during the prior term
Correct answer: Yes, it can be renewed indefinitely as long as the notary continues to meet requirements
North Dakota notaries may renew their commissions upon expiration indefinitely, provided they continue to meet all eligibility requirements.
Question 7: What document does the North Dakota Secretary of State issue to a newly commissioned notary?
- A notary seal
- A commission certificate (Correct answer)
- A government-issued photo ID
- A blank notary journal
Correct answer: A commission certificate
The Secretary of State issues a commission certificate as official proof of the notary's appointment and authority.
ND Notary Notary Appointment and Commission Requirements 2
What is the purpose of the surety bond required of North Dakota notary public applicants?