Notary Basics and Definitions Flashcards
6 cards from real Notary Exam practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
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What is the primary role of a notary public?
Answer: Witness and authenticate signatures
A notary public serves as an impartial witness who verifies the identity of signers and authenticates signatures on documents.
Who appoints notaries public in most US states?
Answer: The state government
In most states, the governor or secretary of state grants a notary commission through the state government.
How long is a typical notary commission term in most US states?
Answer: 4 years
Most states issue notary commissions for four years, though some states use shorter or longer terms.
What document officially grants a person the authority to act as a notary?
Answer: Commission certificate
The commission certificate is the official document issued by the state that authorizes an individual to perform notarial acts.
A notary public is considered which type of official?
Answer: A public officer
Notaries public are commissioned as public officers, meaning they serve in an official capacity for the public good.
What is the term for the person whose signature a notary is authenticating?
Answer: The principal or signer
The person appearing before the notary to have their signature authenticated is called the principal or signer.