NNA Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. What is the maximum fee that a Notary Public can charge for their services? → Up to $15 per signature.
2. Which of the following is NOT typically required on a notary's official seal? → The notary's residential street address
3. Which type of notarial act can typically be performed via RON? → Acknowledgments, jurats, oaths, and affirmations (as authorized by the notary's state)
4. Which of the following should a Notary do if a signer refuses to swear or affirm the document's contents? → Decline to notarize the document.
5. Which of the following is a primary purpose of the 'venue' element on a notarial certificate? → To establish the state and county where the notarial act took place.
6. What is the best practice when handling the borrower’s documents after the signing is complete? → Return them to the lender or escrow officer in a secure manner.
7. How long must a notary retain the audio-video recording of a Remote Online Notarization session? → The retention period varies by state, typically 5 to 10 years
8. What type of electronic signature does a notary typically use in a RON transaction? → A digital certificate-based signature with tamper-evident technology
9. What is a Notary Public's primary responsibility? → To authenticate signatures on legal documents.
10. What should a Notary Signing Agent do if a document requires a witness during the signing? → Ensure a qualified witness is present before proceeding.
11. A notary is asked to place their seal on a blank sheet of paper so the employer can fill in a document later. Should the notary comply? → No, notaries must never affix their seal to a blank or incomplete document
12. All of the following are generally required elements for an acceptable, non-documentary form of identification EXCEPT: → The bearer's residential address
13. Which of the following is NOT one of the three primary methods for a Notary to identify a signer? → Verification through a signed affidavit from the signer's employer
14. A notary's ink stamp produces a faint, partially illegible impression on a document. What should the notary do? → Obtain a new stamp that produces a clear, legible impression
15. Which of the following is considered unethical for a Notary Public? → Notarizing a document for a person who is not present.
16. Can a Notary perform notarial acts in any state? → No, they can only notarize in their state of commission.
17. What are the two most common types of notary seals used in the United States? → Rubber ink stamp and embossing seal
18. What is required for a Notary to confirm a signer's identity? → The signer must present valid government-issued ID.
19. A notary moves to a different county within the same state. Which statement about their seal is correct? → They may continue using their existing seal, as their commission remains valid statewide
20. What is the proper procedure if a Notary Signing Agent notices an error in the loan documents? → Notify the borrower and lender for corrections before proceeding.
21. Who is responsible for the safekeeping and security of a notary's official seal? → The notary personally, as the commissioned officer
22. What should a Notary Signing Agent do if a borrower does not have all necessary identification during a signing? → Cancel the signing and ask the borrower to reschedule with the correct identification.
23. After performing a notarial act, a notary realizes the seal impression was placed upside down on the document. What should the notary do? → Complete a new notarial certificate on the document with a correct impression
24. What is the first step in becoming a Notary Public? → Ensure eligibility by checking state rules.
25. Why is it important for Notaries to keep a journal of their notarial acts? → To verify a notarization was completed properly.
26. What is the penalty for a Notary who violates state laws or ethical guidelines? → Loss of commission or fines.
27. In most states, what must a notary do with their seal when they resign their commission before it expires? → Destroy the seal or surrender it to the commissioning authority
28. What should a Notary Public do if they suspect a document is fraudulent? → Refuse to notarize the document and report the issue.
29. What is the primary duty of a Notary Public? → To authenticate signatures and prevent fraud.
30. What is the primary responsibility of a Notary Signing Agent? → To notarize documents and ensure proper execution of loan signings.