OH Notary Document Preparation and Handling 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: If a signer wants to make a correction to a document after it has been notarized, what should happen?
- The document should be re-executed and re-notarized with the correction (Correct answer)
- The notary may amend the certificate to reflect the change
- The notary should initial the correction on the signer's behalf
- No correction is allowed once a document is notarized
Correct answer: The document should be re-executed and re-notarized with the correction
Corrections to a notarized document require the process to start over with a new execution and notarization.
Question 2: What does an acknowledgment notarial act confirm about a document signer?
- That the signer voluntarily signed and acknowledged the signature as their own (Correct answer)
- That the signer swore the contents are truthful
- That the signer's identity was verified by two witnesses
- That the document was prepared by the notary
Correct answer: That the signer voluntarily signed and acknowledged the signature as their own
An acknowledgment certifies that the signer personally appeared, was identified, and acknowledged their signature as their free act.
Question 3: What is the key difference between a jurat and an acknowledgment in Ohio?
- A jurat requires the signer to swear or affirm to the truthfulness of the document's contents (Correct answer)
- A jurat does not require the signer to appear in person
- An acknowledgment requires an oath but a jurat does not
- There is no difference under Ohio law
Correct answer: A jurat requires the signer to swear or affirm to the truthfulness of the document's contents
A jurat requires the signer to sign in the notary's presence and take an oath or affirmation about the document's truth.
Question 4: Under Ohio law, may a notary add a notarial certificate to a document after the fact if the signer is not present?
- No, the signer must be present when the certificate is completed (Correct answer)
- Yes, if the signer signs a separate authorization
- Yes, as long as the certificate is dated correctly
- Only for electronic documents
Correct answer: No, the signer must be present when the certificate is completed
The signer must personally appear before the notary when the notarial act is performed and the certificate completed.
Question 5: What should an Ohio notary do if a document presented for notarization is already signed but the signer is not present?
- Refuse to notarize and ask the signer to appear in person (Correct answer)
- Notarize based on the completed signature
- Contact the signer by phone to confirm
- Notarize only if a witness was present at signing
Correct answer: Refuse to notarize and ask the signer to appear in person
The signer must personally appear before the notary; pre-signed documents cannot be notarized without the signer present.
Question 6: Which type of Ohio notarial act is typically required for an affidavit?
- A jurat (oath or affirmation) (Correct answer)
- An acknowledgment
- A copy certification
- A signature witnessing
Correct answer: A jurat (oath or affirmation)
Affidavits require the signer to swear or affirm to the truthfulness of the statements, which is accomplished through a jurat.
OH Notary Document Preparation and Handling 2
If a signer wants to make a correction to a document after it has been notarized, what should happen?