Basic Notary Public Flashcards
6 cards from real Notary Public Exam practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Basic Notary Public flashcards as text
What is a 'notarial certificate'?
Answer: The written statement on a document describing the notarial act performed
A notarial certificate is the written wording on or attached to a document that describes the type of notarial act performed, the date, and the notary's signature and seal.
A signer cannot appear in person but wants to send their document by mail for notarization. What should the notary do?
Answer: Refuse, because the signer must personally appear before the notary
Traditional notarization requires the personal appearance of the signer. A notary cannot notarize a document for someone who is not physically present (except via authorized Remote Online Notarization).
Which of the following best describes a 'subscribing witness' notarial act?
Answer: A third party witnesses the signing and then appears before the notary to swear to that fact
In a subscribing witness notarization, a third-party witness observes the principal sign the document, then appears before the notary to take an oath or affirmation that they witnessed the signature.
What is the purpose of a notary's surety bond?
Answer: To protect the public from financial harm caused by the notary's misconduct or errors
A surety bond protects the public—not the notary—by providing a source of compensation if the notary's errors or misconduct cause financial harm to someone.
When should a notary update their employer information with the state commissioning authority?
Answer: Whenever there is a change, as required by the state
Most states require notaries to notify the commissioning authority of changes to their name, address, or sometimes employer information within a specified period.
Which of the following actions would be considered unauthorized practice of law by a notary?
Answer: Explaining to a signer which type of notarial certificate to use
Advising signers on which certificate to use, how to structure a document, or what a document means constitutes the practice of law, which notaries are not licensed to perform unless they are also attorneys.