Notary Public Exam Duties & Responsibilities of a Notary 1

Question 1

A notary is asked to notarize a document for a person who appears to be intoxicated. What is the notary's proper course of action?

Accepted Answer

Refuse to complete the notarization until the signer is sober and capable of understanding the act

Answer

A notary must verify that a signer is mentally and physically capable of understanding the document and act being performed. An intoxicated person cannot give informed, voluntary consent, so the notary must refuse until the signer is in a competent state.

Question 2

Which of the following best describes the notary's duty of impartiality?

Accepted Answer

A notary must serve all eligible parties without favoritism or personal interest in the transaction

Answer

Notaries are public officials who must remain neutral and serve all qualifying parties equally. Showing favoritism or having a personal financial interest in a transaction violates the duty of impartiality.

Question 3

When a notary completes a notarial act, what is their primary responsibility regarding the notarial certificate?

Accepted Answer

Ensure the certificate accurately reflects the type of act performed, the date, and the notary's official information

Answer

The notarial certificate is the official record of the act performed. The notary must ensure it is complete, accurate, and matches the type of notarial act (e.g., acknowledgment vs. jurat) actually performed.

Question 4

A notary is also a party named in the document they are being asked to notarize. What should the notary do?

Accepted Answer

Recuse themselves and refer the signer to a disinterested notary

Answer

A notary who has a direct financial or personal interest in a document — including being named as a party — is disqualified from performing that notarial act. This prevents conflicts of interest and preserves the integrity of the notarization.

Question 5

What is a notary's responsibility when maintaining their official journal or record book?

Accepted Answer

Keep a chronological record of every notarial act performed, including the type of act, date, and signer information

Answer

Most states require notaries to maintain a sequential journal of all notarial acts as a safeguard against fraud and as an official record. This journal may be inspected by authorities and must be kept secure and complete.

Notary Public Exam Practice Test

Notary Public Exam Practice Test

Notary Public Exam Duties & Responsibilities of a Notary 1