NNA Notary Public Requirements 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A notary moves to a new address within the same state. What is usually required?
- Get a new seal from the county court
- Nothing, since the commission is still valid
- Immediately resign the commission
- Notify the commissioning official of the address change within the required time (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Notify the commissioning official of the address change within the required time
Most states require notaries to report address changes to the commissioning authority within a set period.
Question 2: In most states, what happens if a notary moves their residence out of the commissioning state?
- The notary may keep notarizing in the original state indefinitely
- The commission is usually vacated or must be resigned, unless the state allows nonresident commissions (Correct answer)
- The commission automatically transfers to the new state
- The notary must pay a transfer fee
Correct answer: The commission is usually vacated or must be resigned, unless the state allows nonresident commissions
Residency is generally a commission requirement, so moving out of state ends eligibility unless the state permits nonresidents who work there.
Question 3: A notary legally changes their name. What is the proper action?
- Notify the commissioning authority and get an updated seal as required by state law (Correct answer)
- Stop notarizing permanently
- Notarize under both names
- Keep using the old seal until the commission expires
Correct answer: Notify the commissioning authority and get an updated seal as required by state law
States generally require notice of a name change and an amended commission or new seal reflecting the new name.
Question 4: Can a notary legally perform a notarization after the commission expires but before renewing?
- Yes, but only for jurats
- Yes, during a 30-day grace period
- Yes, if the signer agrees
- No, notarizations after expiration are unauthorized (Correct answer)
Correct answer: No, notarizations after expiration are unauthorized
Once a commission expires, the person has no authority to notarize until a new commission is issued.
Question 5: What is the most common term length for a notary commission in U.S. states?
- Lifetime
- 2 years
- 4 years (Correct answer)
- 1 year
Correct answer: 4 years
Four years is the most common commission term, though terms vary by state from about 2 to 10 years.
Question 6: Which statement about U.S. citizenship as a notary requirement is accurate?
- Non-citizens may notarize only for other non-citizens
- Only naturalized citizens qualify
- All states require U.S. citizenship
- States may not require citizenship and generally accept lawful permanent residents (Correct answer)
Correct answer: States may not require citizenship and generally accept lawful permanent residents
The U.S. Supreme Court in Bernal v. Fainter (1984) held that states cannot bar lawful permanent residents from notary commissions solely due to citizenship.
Question 7: Many states require notary applicants to do which of the following before getting a commission?
- Complete approved training and/or pass a state notary exam (Correct answer)
- Work under a supervising notary for a year
- Pass a bar exam
- Hold a college degree
Correct answer: Complete approved training and/or pass a state notary exam
Many states, such as California, Florida, and New York, require education, an exam, or both before a commission is issued.
NNA Notary Public Requirements 3
A notary moves to a new address within the same state.
What is usually required?