OH Notary - Ohio Notary Exam Ohio Notary Prohibited Acts and Conflicts 1

Question 1

An Ohio notary is the grantor on a deed transferring their own property to a buyer. May the notary notarize the buyer's signature on that same deed?

Accepted Answer

No, because the notary has a direct financial interest in the transaction

Answer

Yes, because only the buyer is signing, not the notary

Answer

Yes, as long as the notary discloses the relationship in the notarial certificate

Answer

No, but only if the property value exceeds $10,000

Question 2

An Ohio notary receives a document for notarization that contains several blank fields intended to be filled in later. What must the notary do?

Accepted Answer

Refuse to notarize until all blanks are completed

Answer

Notarize it and note the blanks on the certificate

Answer

Notarize it only if the signer initials the blank spaces

Answer

Notarize it and retain a copy for their records

Question 3

An Ohio notary charges a signer $25 for a single notarial act. The current Ohio statutory maximum fee for one notarial act is $5. Which statement is correct?

Accepted Answer

The notary has violated Ohio law by overcharging

Answer

The fee is permissible if both parties agree in writing

Answer

The fee is permissible for notarizations involving real estate

Answer

The fee is permissible because Ohio sets no fee limits for notaries

Question 4

An Ohio notary advertises to the public that they can prepare immigration forms and provide legal advice about immigration matters. This is prohibited primarily because:

Accepted Answer

Preparing legal documents and giving legal advice constitutes the unauthorized practice of law

Answer

Notaries are barred from advertising their services entirely

Answer

Notaries may only advertise in English

Answer

Immigration matters require a federal notary commission, not a state one

Question 5

A signer calls an Ohio notary and asks the notary to notarize an affidavit over the phone because the signer cannot come in person. The notary personally knows the signer's voice and identity. May the notary proceed?

Accepted Answer

No, the signer must appear in person before the notary at the time of notarization

Answer

Yes, if the notary has known the signer for at least five years

Answer

Yes, for sworn statements only, voice identification is sufficient

Answer

No, unless the notary first obtains a copy of the signer's government-issued ID by email

Question 6

An Ohio notary is the sole owner of a business and is asked to notarize a contract to which that business is a party. The notary should:

Accepted Answer

Refuse, because the notary has a direct financial interest as the business owner

Answer

Notarize the contract because business ownership is different from personal interest

Answer

Notarize only the opposing party's signature, not the business's signature

Answer

Proceed if another employee of the business witnesses the notarization