Nevada Notary Public Exam — Questions and Answers

Question 1: What is a notarial certificate in Nevada?

A receipt for notary fees
The signer's government-issued ID
The notary's commission document
The written statement signed and sealed by the notary describing the notarial act performed (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The written statement signed and sealed by the notary describing the notarial act performed

A notarial certificate is the written declaration, completed and signed by the notary, that documents the specific notarial act.

Question 2: If a claim is paid out against a notary's surety bond, what is the notary's obligation?

Nothing; the bond fully absorbs the loss
Pay a fine to the county clerk only
Reimburse the surety company for the amount paid (Correct answer)
Surrender their stamp permanently with no repayment

Correct answer: Reimburse the surety company for the amount paid

A bond is not insurance, so the notary must repay the surety for any claims paid on their behalf.

Question 3: A Nevada notary moves from Clark County to Washoe County. What is required regarding his commission?

He must submit a change of address to the Secretary of State within 30 days (Correct answer)
He must surrender his commission and reapply
No action is needed for moves within Nevada
He must post a new $20,000 bond

Correct answer: He must submit a change of address to the Secretary of State within 30 days

Notaries must notify the Secretary of State in writing of an address change within 30 days.

Question 4: If a Nevada notary relocates to another state during their commission term, what happens to their surety bond obligation?

The bond continues until the commission expires (Correct answer)
The bond transfers to the new state
The bond is automatically cancelled upon relocation
The notary must file a new bond in the new state immediately

Correct answer: The bond continues until the commission expires

Obligations under the bond remain until the notary resigns or the commission expires, even if they move.

Question 5: When charging for travel, a Nevada notary may charge a minimum of how many hours?

1 hour
No minimum is allowed
3 hours
2 hours (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 2 hours

NRS 240.100 permits the notary to charge a minimum of two hours for travel.

Question 6: What is the venue in a Nevada notarial certificate?

The state and county where the notarization takes place (Correct answer)
The notary's business address
The name of the document being notarized
The signer's place of birth

Correct answer: The state and county where the notarization takes place

The venue identifies the state and county where the notarial act was performed, establishing jurisdiction.

Question 7: According to Nevada law, which of the following is a required characteristic of a traditional (paper) notary journal?

It must be a bound volume with preprinted page numbers. (Correct answer)
It can be any type of notebook as long as the entries are chronological.
It must be a loose-leaf binder for easy page removal.
It must be submitted to the Secretary of State for inspection annually.

Correct answer: It must be a bound volume with preprinted page numbers.

NRS 240.120(6)(b) explicitly states that a notary's journal for traditional notarial acts must be a bound volume with preprinted page numbers. This requirement ensures the integrity of the journal, making it difficult to add, remove, or alter pages without detection.

Question 8: What security duty does the notary have over the electronic signature and seal credentials?

Store them with the employer as company property
Keep them under the notary's sole control and report theft or compromise (Correct answer)
Share them with an assistant to speed up closings
Publish the private key so documents can be verified

Correct answer: Keep them under the notary's sole control and report theft or compromise

The electronic signature and seal must remain under the notary's exclusive control, and any loss or compromise must be reported promptly.

Question 9: During a Remote Online Notarization (RON) in Nevada, the notary must identify the signer. Which identification method is a key component of the technology-based identity verification process for RON?

The signer faxing a copy of their driver's license to the notary.
A sworn statement of identity emailed by the signer before the session.
Knowledge-Based Authentication (KBA) questions and credential analysis. (Correct answer)
The signer verbally stating their Social Security Number.

Correct answer: Knowledge-Based Authentication (KBA) questions and credential analysis.

For Remote Online Notarizations, Nevada statutes and regulations require a multi-layered identity verification process. This includes analyzing the signer's government-issued ID (credential analysis) and having the signer answer dynamic Knowledge-Based Authentication (KBA) questions generated from public and private records. This robust process ensures the remote signer is who they claim to be.

Question 10: Which entry is a Nevada notary NOT required to record in the journal?

The fee charged for the act
The date and type of the notarial act
A description of the document notarized
The signer's social security number (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The signer's social security number

Journals must never contain social security numbers; NRS 240.120 lists required entries such as date, document type, and fee.

Question 11: What must a non-resident applicant's Nevada employer provide as part of the application?

A copy of the company's business license only
A signed affidavit confirming the applicant is employed in Nevada and will perform notarial acts as part of that employment (Correct answer)
A $10,000 cash deposit
A letter from the county sheriff

Correct answer: A signed affidavit confirming the applicant is employed in Nevada and will perform notarial acts as part of that employment

The employer must submit an affidavit verifying Nevada employment and that notarial acts relate to that employment.

Question 12: In addition to the statutory fee for a notarial act, what may a Nevada notary charge for traveling to a signer?

Any amount the market will bear with no disclosure
A flat $100 fee set by the Secretary of State
A travel fee agreed to in advance, capped by statute based on the time of day (Correct answer)
Nothing, because travel fees are illegal in Nevada

Correct answer: A travel fee agreed to in advance, capped by statute based on the time of day

NRS 240.100 permits a travel fee if agreed upon in advance, with hourly caps that differ for daytime and nighttime travel.

Question 13: Which of the following is required to be included on a notary public’s official seal in Nevada?

The words "Notary Public" and "State of Nevada" (Correct answer)
The notary’s address
The notary’s social security number
The notary’s employer’s name

Correct answer: The words "Notary Public" and "State of Nevada"

Nevada law mandates specific information that must be included on a notary public’s official seal to ensure its authenticity and legal validity. The seal must clearly display the words "Notary Public" and "State of Nevada." Additionally, it typically includes the notary's name and commission number, which are essential for identifying the notary and validating the notarial act.

Question 14: How many active journals may a Nevada notary use for paper notarizations at one time?

Two, one for work and one personal
As many as they wish
One (Correct answer)
One per county where they notarize

Correct answer: One

A Nevada notary may keep only one active journal at a time for tangible notarial acts.

Question 15: Under Nevada law, which of the following is an acceptable form of identification for a signer the notary does not personally know?

An expired passport from any country
A current driver's license issued by any U.S. state (Correct answer)
A voter registration card
A private employer photo badge

Correct answer: A current driver's license issued by any U.S. state

Nevada accepts a current driver's license or ID card issued by a U.S. state, along with certain other government-issued documents.

Question 16: Which of the following is NOT a required element on a Nevada notary's official stamp?

The date the notary's commission expires
The phrase "Notary Public, State of Nevada"
The Great Seal of the State of Nevada (Correct answer)
The notary's commission number

Correct answer: The Great Seal of the State of Nevada

Nevada law specifies several required elements for the official stamp, including the notary's name, the phrase 'Notary Public, State of Nevada,' the commission expiration date, and the commission number. The inclusion of the Great Seal of the State of Nevada is permitted but optional.

Question 17: A signer presents an expired driver's license as identification. Under Nevada law, may the notary accept it?

Yes, if the photo still resembles the signer
No, identification generally must be current or issued within the allowed statutory window (Correct answer)
Yes, if the signer also provides a utility bill
Yes, any government-issued card is acceptable regardless of date

Correct answer: No, identification generally must be current or issued within the allowed statutory window

Nevada requires satisfactory identification that is current or otherwise valid under NRS 240.1655, so a long-expired license is not acceptable.

Question 18: How does Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance differ from a notary surety bond?

A surety bond protects the notary, while E&O covers government fees
E&O insurance is required by Nevada law, while a bond is optional
Both instruments serve identical purposes under Nevada law
E&O insurance protects the notary from personal financial loss, while a bond protects the public (Correct answer)

Correct answer: E&O insurance protects the notary from personal financial loss, while a bond protects the public

A surety bond protects the public by compensating victims, while E&O insurance protects the notary personally from out-of-pocket losses when defending claims.

Question 19: A Nevada electronic notary's technology vendor goes out of business. What should the notary do about pending remote notarizations?

Notarize by phone call as a temporary measure
Stop performing remote acts until an approved replacement solution is in place (Correct answer)
Use personal video chat apps like FaceTime
Continue using the defunct platform's offline mode

Correct answer: Stop performing remote acts until an approved replacement solution is in place

Remote notarizations may only be performed through a compliant audio-visual technology, so the notary must secure an approved replacement before continuing.

Question 20: Why is the notary journal often called the notary's best protection in a lawsuit?

It shows the notary's handwriting skill
Courts cannot subpoena journals
It transfers liability to the signer
It provides contemporaneous evidence of what occurred during the notarization (Correct answer)

Correct answer: It provides contemporaneous evidence of what occurred during the notarization

A complete journal entry is credible evidence of the identification, date, and circumstances of the act if it is later challenged.

Question 21: Which statement about ink color and quality of a Nevada notary stamp impression is correct?

Any ink color is acceptable as long as the notary signs in blue
The impression must be made in dark ink and be capable of being photographically reproduced (Correct answer)
The impression may be faint as long as the appointment number is visible
Red ink is required to distinguish the stamp from signatures

Correct answer: The impression must be made in dark ink and be capable of being photographically reproduced

The stamp impression must be legible, made in dark ink, and reproducible when the document is copied or photographed.

Question 22: A U.S. passport card (not the passport book) is presented as identification. How should the Nevada notary treat it?

Reject it because only the book form counts
Accept it, since a current passport issued by the U.S. government is acceptable identification (Correct answer)
Accept it only with a driver's license
Accept it only for travel documents

Correct answer: Accept it, since a current passport issued by the U.S. government is acceptable identification

Current U.S. passport credentials are government-issued photo identification acceptable for notarization.

Question 23: What is the maximum hourly travel fee for a notarization performed between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. in Nevada?

$20 per hour
$30 per hour (Correct answer)
$45 per hour
$15 per hour

Correct answer: $30 per hour

Travel between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. may be charged at up to $30 per hour.

Question 24: Where must a Nevada notary file the surety bond before performing notarial acts?

With the Nevada Secretary of State (Correct answer)
With the notary's employer
With the local county recorder
With the state treasurer

Correct answer: With the Nevada Secretary of State

Nevada notaries must file the surety bond with the Secretary of State as part of the commissioning process.

Question 25: A notary public who resides in California but is employed in Nevada has obtained a Nevada nonresident notary commission. Which additional piece of information must be included on their official stamp?

The word "nonresident." (Correct answer)
The county where their bond is filed.
The address of their Nevada employer.
Their California commission number.

Correct answer: The word "nonresident."

Nevada law requires that if a notary public is a resident of an adjoining state, their official stamp must include the word "nonresident" in addition to all other required elements.

Question 26: What distinguishes an electronic notarization from a remote (online) notarization?

They are identical terms in every respect
Electronic notarization can occur with the signer physically present; remote notarization uses audio-visual appearance (Correct answer)
Remote notarization requires paper documents
Electronic notarization never uses a digital seal

Correct answer: Electronic notarization can occur with the signer physically present; remote notarization uses audio-visual appearance

Electronic notarization refers to notarizing electronic records, which may happen in person, while remote notarization involves a signer appearing by audio-visual technology.

Question 27: How long after a Nevada notary's commission expires can the notary potentially still face civil liability for past notarial acts?

Exactly 12 months after commission expiration
Only until the next renewal cycle
Liability can extend for years under the applicable statute of limitations for civil claims (Correct answer)
No liability exists once the commission expires

Correct answer: Liability can extend for years under the applicable statute of limitations for civil claims

Civil liability for negligent notarial acts does not automatically end when a commission expires; the applicable statute of limitations for civil claims governs how long a notary may be sued.

Question 28: A Nevada notary named as the grantee on a deed is asked to notarize that same deed. This is prohibited because:

Only attorneys may notarize deeds
Grantees must sign before a judge
Deeds can never be notarized in Nevada
The notary has a direct beneficial interest in the transaction (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The notary has a direct beneficial interest in the transaction

A notary may not notarize a transaction in which they are a party or have a direct beneficial interest.

Question 29: A Nevada notary notarizes five documents signed by the same person during a single appointment. How may this be recorded in the journal?

Only the first document is recorded
One entry may cover all documents signed by that person at that time (Correct answer)
No entry is needed for repeat documents
Five separate entries are always mandatory

Correct answer: One entry may cover all documents signed by that person at that time

Nevada law allows a single journal entry when one person signs multiple documents notarized at the same time.

Question 30: For how long must a Nevada notary public retain their notarial journal after they cease to be a notary?

10 years
7 years (Correct answer)
5 years
3 years

Correct answer: 7 years

Pursuant to NRS 240.120(9), a notary public is required to retain each journal for a period of 7 years after the date on which they cease to be a notary public. This applies to both traditional and electronic notaries.

Question 31: A Nevada notary lends their stamp to a trusted colleague who is also a notary but left hers at home. This is:

Prohibited, because a notary must never allow anyone else to use their stamp (Correct answer)
Allowed between commissioned notaries
Allowed with written permission
Allowed if the journal notes the loan

Correct answer: Prohibited, because a notary must never allow anyone else to use their stamp

The notary stamp may be used only by the notary to whom it was issued, with no exceptions.

Question 32: A signer asks a Nevada notary, 'Should this be an acknowledgment or a jurat?' The safest correct response is what?

Advise the signer to ask the document issuer or an attorney which act is required (Correct answer)
Perform both acts to cover all possibilities
Choose the acknowledgment because it is faster
Choose the jurat because it is more thorough

Correct answer: Advise the signer to ask the document issuer or an attorney which act is required

A notary may describe the acts but cannot choose one for the signer, since that decision is legal advice reserved for the issuer or an attorney.

Question 33: Which security feature should a notary check when examining a driver's license offered as ID?

Only the license number format
Whether the card is laminated
Only the issuing state's slogan
That the photo, physical description, signature, and expiration date are consistent with the person presenting it (Correct answer)

Correct answer: That the photo, physical description, signature, and expiration date are consistent with the person presenting it

The notary should compare the photograph, description, and signature to the person and confirm the document is current and unaltered.

Question 34: What does the phrase 'personally appeared before me' in a Nevada certificate indicate?

The signer was physically present before the notary at the time of the act (Correct answer)
The signer mailed in the document
The document was notarized remotely
The signer used a power of attorney

Correct answer: The signer was physically present before the notary at the time of the act

This phrase confirms the foundational requirement that the signer was present in person before the notary when the act was performed.

Question 35: A Nevada notary's stamp impression comes out smudged and partially unreadable on a deed. What is the best course of action?

Trace over the smudged impression with a pen
Cut out the smudge and tape a fresh impression over it
Affix a clear, legible impression in a nearby open area of the certificate (Correct answer)
Leave it, since some ink transferred to the page

Correct answer: Affix a clear, legible impression in a nearby open area of the certificate

Because the impression must be legible and reproducible, the notary should stamp again clearly in a blank area rather than alter the smudged one.

Question 36: A Nevada notary discovers her official stamp has been stolen from her car. What must she do?

Notify only her local police department and take no other action
Notify the Secretary of State of the loss or theft (Correct answer)
Simply order a replacement stamp and continue notarizing
Wait until her commission renews to report it

Correct answer: Notify the Secretary of State of the loss or theft

A Nevada notary whose stamp is lost or stolen must notify the Secretary of State.

Question 37: Can a Nevada notary perform notarial acts while their commission application is pending but before the bond is filed?

Yes, with written permission from the Secretary of State
Yes, for up to 15 days before the bond is due
No, the bond must be filed and the commission issued first (Correct answer)
Yes, if their employer approves

Correct answer: No, the bond must be filed and the commission issued first

A Nevada notary may only perform notarial acts after receiving the commission and having the required bond in place.

Question 38: Which of the following is a required element of a Nevada notary journal entry?

The fee charged for the notarial act (Correct answer)
The signer's home phone number
The signer's date of birth
The signer's occupation

Correct answer: The fee charged for the notarial act

NRS 240.120 requires the journal entry to include the fee charged, among other items.

Question 39: A candidate for a Nevada Notary Public commission has completed the mandatory online training. What is the minimum score they must achieve on the subsequent exam to qualify for appointment?

80% (Correct answer)
70%
90%
75%

Correct answer: 80%

All new and renewing Notary applicants in Nevada are required to complete state-approved training and pass an exam with a score of at least 80% to be eligible for a commission.

Question 40: How long must a Nevada electronic notary retain the audio-visual recording of a remote notarization?

Only until the commission expires
At least 7 years (Correct answer)
90 days
1 year

Correct answer: At least 7 years

Nevada requires the audio-visual recording of a remote notarial act to be retained for at least seven years.

Question 41: All of the following are basic qualifications to become a Notary Public in Nevada EXCEPT:

Holding a college degree. (Correct answer)
Being at least 18 years of age.
Being a resident of Nevada or an employed resident of a bordering state.
Possessing one's civil rights (e.g., not being a felon whose rights haven't been restored).

Correct answer: Holding a college degree.

Nevada law requires a notary applicant to be at least 18, be a resident (or qualified non-resident), and possess their civil rights. There is no requirement for a college degree.

Question 42: What can happen to a Nevada notary who knowingly charges more than the statutory maximum fees?

Only a warning letter with no other consequence
Automatic felony conviction
Nothing, as fees are only guidelines
Disciplinary action, including possible suspension or revocation of the commission (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Disciplinary action, including possible suspension or revocation of the commission

Overcharging is a violation of NRS Chapter 240 that can lead to discipline against the commission, including suspension or revocation.

Question 43: Twin siblings arrive, and one attempts to sign using the other's ID as a prank. The notary is suspicious the presenter is not the person on the ID. What is the correct action?

Refuse the notarization until the notary is genuinely satisfied of the presenter's identity (Correct answer)
Proceed since twins are legally interchangeable for ID purposes
Accept it if the birth dates match
Have both twins sign

Correct answer: Refuse the notarization until the notary is genuinely satisfied of the presenter's identity

The notary must refuse whenever there is reasonable doubt that the person appearing is the person named in the identification and document.

Question 44: After being appointed, within what timeframe must a Nevada notary take the oath of office and file the bond to activate the commission?

Within 30 days after the effective date of the appointment (Correct answer)
Within 6 months
There is no deadline
Within one year

Correct answer: Within 30 days after the effective date of the appointment

The oath and bond must be filed with the county clerk within 30 days after the appointment takes effect.

Question 45: For how many years must a Nevada notary's surety bond remain in force?

1 year
2 years
10 years
4 years (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 4 years

Nevada notary commissions are valid for 4 years, and the bond must cover the entire commission term.

Question 46: Which fee practice violates Nevada notary law?

Charging nothing for a veteran's document
Charging an undisclosed 'convenience surcharge' above the statutory maximum per signature (Correct answer)
Charging the exact statutory maximum
Charging a separately disclosed, agreed travel fee where permitted

Correct answer: Charging an undisclosed 'convenience surcharge' above the statutory maximum per signature

Any charge exceeding the statutory maximum for the notarial act itself is unlawful, even if labeled a surcharge.

Question 47: What must a credible witness do before the notary may rely on their identification of a signer?

Take an oath or affirmation attesting to the signer's identity (Correct answer)
Pay a witness fee to the notary
Sign the document as a co-signer
Provide a written resume

Correct answer: Take an oath or affirmation attesting to the signer's identity

The credible witness must swear or affirm to the notary that the signer is the person named in the document.

Question 48: A notary charges $10 for taking an acknowledgment of one signature. Is this permitted?

Only if approved by the Secretary of State
No, acknowledgments must be free
No, the notary must charge exactly $15
Yes, because it does not exceed the $15 maximum (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Yes, because it does not exceed the $15 maximum

Charging any amount up to the $15 statutory maximum is lawful.

Question 49: A signer brings a deed to a Nevada notary and states that she signed it voluntarily last week. Which notarial act is appropriate?

An oath of office
A jurat
An acknowledgment (Correct answer)
A copy certification

Correct answer: An acknowledgment

An acknowledgment allows a document signed previously to be acknowledged before the notary, as long as the signer personally appears and declares the signature is voluntary.

Question 50: A signer appears via live video call from another state and asks a traditionally commissioned Nevada notary (without electronic/RON authorization) to notarize. The notary should:

Refuse, because remote notarization requires a separate authorization and physical presence is otherwise mandatory (Correct answer)
Proceed if the signer emails a copy of their ID
Proceed if a witness is physically with the signer
Proceed since video counts as personal appearance

Correct answer: Refuse, because remote notarization requires a separate authorization and physical presence is otherwise mandatory

Without proper remote-notarization authorization, Nevada requires the signer's physical presence before the notary.

Question 51: A Nevada notary is asked to backdate a notarization to yesterday because the deadline passed. The notary must:

Backdate by no more than 24 hours
Leave the date blank for the parties
Backdate it if the signer signs an affidavit
Refuse, since a certificate must state the true date the notarial act was performed (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Refuse, since a certificate must state the true date the notarial act was performed

Falsely dating a notarial certificate is fraud and is strictly prohibited.

Nevada Notary Public Exam

The Nevada Notary Public Examination tests applicants on NRS Chapter 240 notary laws, notarial acts, signer identification, journal and seal requirements, fees, prohibited acts, electronic notarization, and bonds as required by the Nevada Secretary of State.

Questions

90 min

Time Limit

80%

To Pass

Checking for saved progress...

Exam Rules

You can skip questions and return to them later
Flag questions for review before submitting
No feedback shown until you submit the entire exam
Unanswered questions count as wrong — answer everything
10 pretest questions are mixed in and don't affect your score
Timer auto-submits when time runs out
Your progress is auto-saved every 30 seconds