NNA Performing Common Notarial Acts Questions and Answers

Question 1

A signer brings a document that includes a jurat certificate. Which of the following is a mandatory action the Notary must take when performing this notarial act?

Accepted Answer

Administer an oath or affirmation to the signer.

Answer

Verify the signer has read and understood the entire document.

Answer

Ensure the document was signed prior to the appointment.

Answer

Make a certified copy of the document for the signer's records.

Question 2

A document is presented for notarization, but it contains several blank spaces where information should be. According to NNA recommended best practices, what should the Notary do?

Accepted Answer

Refuse to notarize until all blank spaces are filled in or lined through by the signer.

Answer

Proceed with the notarization as long as the signature line is complete.

Answer

Advise the signer on what information to fill into the blanks.

Answer

Fill in the blanks with "N/A" and then complete the notarization.

Question 3

Which of the following is a primary purpose of the 'venue' element on a notarial certificate?

Accepted Answer

To establish the state and county where the notarial act took place.

Answer

To specify the address where the signer lives.

Answer

To state the location where the document will be filed.

Answer

To record the date and time the notarization occurred.

Question 4

A person asks you to perform a copy certification of their U.S. Passport. Many states prohibit Notaries from performing this act. What is the primary reason for this prohibition?

Accepted Answer

Only the agency that issued the document is authorized to certify its copies.

Answer

Making copies of federal documents is illegal.

Answer

The fees for certifying government documents are set by federal law.

Answer

Notaries are not equipped with the technology to verify the authenticity of a passport.

Question 5

During an acknowledgment, what is the most critical determination a Notary must make regarding the signer, beyond verifying their identity?

Accepted Answer

That the signer is signing willingly and of their own free will.

Answer

That the signer agrees with all the terms in the document.

Answer

That the signer has obtained legal advice regarding the document.

Answer

That the signer is a citizen of the United States.

Question 6

A Notary is asked to notarize a signature on a document where the Notary is also named as a party and stands to receive a direct financial benefit upon the document's execution. This situation represents a:

Accepted Answer

Disqualifying interest that compromises the Notary's impartiality.

Answer

Common and acceptable practice in real estate transactions.

Answer

Permissible act if the Notary's fee is waived.

Answer

Requirement to use a special 'Affidavit of Interest' certificate.