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Ethics and Professional Responsibility Flashcards

7 cards from real NNA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Ethics and Professional Responsibility flashcards as text

  1. A notary's employer instructs them to notarize a document for a client who is not present. What should the notary do?

    Answer: Refuse, because the signer must personally appear

    Personal appearance is required, and an employer's instructions do not override the notary's legal duties.

  2. A signer asks the notary which type of deed they should use to transfer property to their child. A non-attorney notary should:

    Answer: Decline to advise and suggest the signer consult an attorney

    Choosing a legal document for someone is the unauthorized practice of law.

  3. Under most state laws, which situation creates a disqualifying financial interest for a notary?

    Answer: The notary is a party who will receive property under the document

    A notary who directly benefits from the transaction has a disqualifying interest and should not notarize.

  4. A notary who is not an attorney places an ad that says 'Notario Publico' in a Spanish-language newspaper. Why is this a problem?

    Answer: The term suggests to many immigrants that the notary is a licensed attorney

    In many Latin American countries a notario is a high-level legal professional, so the term misleads people and is banned or restricted in many states.

  5. What is the most ethical response when a signer seems confused and cannot explain what the document is?

    Answer: Decline to notarize if the notary reasonably doubts the signer's awareness

    Notaries should make a reasonable judgment that the signer is aware and willing, and decline when serious doubt exists.

  6. A notary charges $25 for an acknowledgment when the state's maximum fee is $10. This is:

    Answer: An overcharge that can lead to discipline

    Charging more than the statutory maximum for the notarial act itself is misconduct, though separate travel fees may be allowed where state law permits.

  7. The NNA's Notary Public Code of Professional Responsibility mainly serves to:

    Answer: Give ethical guidance that goes beyond the minimum legal requirements

    The Code sets best-practice standards and does not replace state law.