Performing Common Notarial Acts Flashcards

Where permitted, what does a Notary certify in a copy certification?

Answer: That the copy is a true, complete reproduction of the original presented

A copy certification only attests that the copy accurately reproduces the original the Notary viewed.

A customer asks for a certified copy of a birth certificate. What should the Notary generally do?

Answer: Refer the customer to the vital records office that issued it

Certified copies of public records such as birth certificates must generally come from the issuing agency.

In states that allow copy certification, who should make the photocopy?

Answer: Ideally the Notary, or under the Notary's supervision

Best practice is for the Notary to make or supervise the copy to ensure it is accurate and complete.

Some states permit 'copy certification by document custodian.' Who signs the statement that the copy is true?

Answer: The custodian of the original, under oath

In this procedure the custodian swears the copy is accurate, and the Notary executes a jurat on that statement.

What does a signature witnessing (where authorized) certify?

Answer: The signer was identified and signed in the Notary's presence

Signature witnessing confirms the signer was identified and signed before the Notary, without an oath.

A Notary serves as a subscribing witness in a proof of execution. What is the subscribing witness's role?

Answer: To appear and swear that they saw the principal sign or heard them acknowledge the signature

In a proof of execution, a subscribing witness appears and testifies under oath about the principal's signing.

Which act would be appropriate when a document requires the signer to attest under penalty of perjury that its contents are true?

Answer: Jurat

A jurat includes an oath or affirmation to the truthfulness of the document's contents.