NSA Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield NSA facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What should a notary do if they suspect that the signer does not understand the document? → Encourage the signer to get legal advice
2. A 'prepayment penalty' clause in a Promissory Note would penalize the borrower for: → Paying off the loan balance early or paying more than scheduled
3. In most states, how long must a notary retain their journal after their commission expires? → 3 to 10 years, depending on state law
4. Which of the following best describes a 'sequential journal' used by notaries? → A bound book with pre-numbered pages where entries are made in chronological order
5. What is the consequence for an NSA who alters a notarized document after the signing is complete? → Potential criminal charges for fraud and loss of notary commission
6. The 'due-on-sale' clause in a mortgage requires: → Full repayment of the loan when the property is transferred to a new owner
7. A notary stamp/seal in most states must include which elements? → Notary's name, state of commission, and commission expiration date
8. A 'subordination clause' in a mortgage means: → The lender agrees its lien may be placed below another lender's lien in priority
9. Which scenario would most likely cause an NSA to question whether a signer appears competent to sign? → The signer appears confused, cannot understand basic questions, or seems heavily medicated
10. A notary seal or stamp is considered which of the following? → An official tool of the state whose unauthorized use can result in criminal charges
11. Why is client confidentiality crucial for notaries? → It is required by law and helps maintain the integrity of the notarization process
12. When an NSA cannot complete a signing because the borrower refuses to sign, this is referred to as: → An incomplete or 'did not sign' (DNS) appointment
13. The Affiliated Business Arrangement (AfBA) disclosure in a real estate closing informs the borrower about: → Business relationships between the settlement service providers and the lender
14. The 4506-C form signed at closing authorizes the IRS to: → Release tax transcripts to the lender for income verification
15. When a signing agent receives a loan package and discovers several documents are missing, what is the correct first step? → Contact the title company or lender immediately to report the discrepancy
16. After a signing, a borrower calls the NSA asking about their loan interest rate. The NSA should: → Refer the borrower to the lender or title company
17. A co-borrower asks the NSA whether signing jointly affects their individual liability on the loan. The NSA should: → Refer the borrower to the lender or an attorney for an explanation of joint liability
18. The Transfer Tax Declaration in a real estate transaction is signed to: → Report the sale price for calculating the documentary transfer tax owed to the government
19. An NSA realizes after leaving a signing that one required notarial certificate was not completed. What should they do? → Immediately notify the title company or lender so they can arrange a cure
20. When an NSA encounters a page in the loan package labeled 'DO NOT SIGN — LENDER COPY,' the correct action is: → Set it aside and ensure the borrower does not sign that copy
21. The Affiliated Business Arrangement (AfBA) disclosure is required when: → A settlement service provider refers business to a company it has a financial interest in
22. An NSA who repeatedly provides legal advice during signings may face which consequence? → Criminal or civil liability for unauthorized practice of law
23. Which of the following best describes the NSA's duty regarding non-public personal information (NPI) encountered during a signing? → Protect it from unauthorized disclosure at all times
24. What does 'LTV' stand for in mortgage lending, and why does it matter? → Loan-to-Value ratio; affects the interest rate and whether PMI is required
25. What should an NSA do if a signer refuses to provide any acceptable identification? → Decline to perform the notarization
26. The Compliance Agreement asks the borrower to agree to: → Cooperate with correcting minor errors or omissions in the loan documents after closing
27. To properly complete a jurat for an affidavit, which of the following is a mandatory step for the Notary Signing Agent to perform? → Administer a verbal oath or affirmation to the signer.
28. Which of the following is NOT a required element of a complete notarial certificate? → The notary's commission number
29. Which scenario represents the CLEAREST case of unauthorized practice of law by an NSA? → Advising a borrower to accept a shorter loan term because it will save interest
30. An NSA who is also a licensed real estate agent is asked to notarize a deed for a property in which the agent has a listing commission. The NSA should: → Decline to notarize because of the direct financial interest in the transaction