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. In most states, how long must a notary retain their journal after their commission expires? → 3 to 10 years, depending on state law
3. 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
4. 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
5. Why is client confidentiality crucial for notaries? → It is required by law and helps maintain the integrity of the notarization process
6. What should an NSA do if a signer refuses to provide any acceptable identification? → Decline to perform the notarization
7. 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.
8. When should a notary use a thumbprint during notarization? → When required by state law for specific documents
9. When conducting a loan signing for a property held in a trust, how should the borrower's signature appear on the documents? → The borrower's name, followed by the title 'Trustee'.
10. Which of the following is generally NOT required to be recorded in a notary journal? → The signer's employer and job title
11. Which of the following is a primary responsibility of the Notary Signing Agent when presenting the USA PATRIOT Act Form to a borrower? → Accurately record the details from the borrower's identification documents onto the form.
12. In states that mandate a notary journal, which notarial acts must be recorded? → All notarial acts must be recorded
13. Which form of identification is generally acceptable for verifying a signer's identity at a loan signing? → A current government-issued photo ID
14. When should an NSA verify the signer's identity during the signing appointment? → Before notarizing any documents, at the beginning of the appointment
15. An NSA realizes they have double-booked two signing appointments at the same time. What is the best course of action? → Notify both hiring companies immediately so they can reschedule or find coverage
16. Which of the following documents in a typical loan package is the borrower's promise to repay the loan and is NOT notarized? → Promissory Note
17. An expired driver's license is presented by a signer at a loan closing. What should the NSA do? → Refuse to notarize and request a valid ID
18. Can a notary journal be subpoenaed as evidence in a legal proceeding? → Yes, notary journals are official records and can be subpoenaed
19. How should a notary handle a situation where the signer is under duress or coercion? → Refuse to notarize the document if duress or coercion is suspected
20. What should a notary do if the signer has questions about the document being notarized? → Refer the signer to a legal professional for guidance
21. How can a notary ensure they are maintaining client confidentiality during a notarization? → By securing documents and not sharing client details with unauthorized persons
22. Which action would be considered an ethical violation for a notary public? → Notarizing a document for a relative without informing the parties
23. What is the purpose of the deed of trust in a loan document package? → To give the lender a security interest in the property
24. What information from a signer's ID should typically be recorded in the notary journal? → Type of ID, ID number, and expiration date
25. Which of the following actions is a fundamental ethical duty of a Notary Signing Agent designed to protect the integrity of the transaction? → Verifying the willingness and awareness of the signer before notarizing their signature.
26. A lender requests copies of journal entries from a recent loan signing. What should the notary do? → Consult state law, as access to journal entries is governed by specific state requirements
27. What is the notary public’s responsibility when the signer is mentally incapacitated? → Refuse to notarize the document if the signer is mentally incapacitated
28. If a signer refuses to provide a thumbprint when it is required by state law for certain documents, what should the notary do? → Refuse to perform the notarial act for that document
29. What does 'credible witness' mean in the context of signer identification? → A person who personally knows the signer and vouches for their identity to the notary
30. Which type of ID is NOT generally acceptable for loan signing notarizations? → A library card