OH Notary - Ohio Notary Prohibited Acts and Conflicts Questions and Answers

Question 1

An Ohio notary who is not an attorney is asked by a client to select the appropriate notarial certificate for a document. Which of the following actions is the notary permitted to take?

Accepted Answer

Explain the different types of notarial acts and allow the signer to choose.

Answer

Advise the signer that a jurat is always the best option.

Answer

Select the acknowledgment certificate because it is the most common.

Answer

Refuse to notarize the document entirely since the signer is unsure.

Question 2

A notary public in Ohio is also a licensed real estate agent. The notary is handling a transaction where they will earn a sales commission. The notary is asked to notarize the seller's signature on the deed. According to Ohio law, what must the notary do?

Accepted Answer

Refuse to notarize the signature due to a conflict of interest.

Answer

Notarize the signature but waive the notarial fee to avoid a conflict.

Answer

Proceed with the notarization as it is a normal part of the business.

Answer

Ask a coworker in the same real estate office to notarize the signature.

Question 3

Which of the following acts is explicitly prohibited for an Ohio notary public under the Ohio Revised Code?

Accepted Answer

Using a name or initial in a notarial certificate that is different from the name on their commission.

Answer

Notarizing for a distant cousin on a document where the notary has no financial interest.

Answer

Charging a reasonable travel fee agreed upon with the signer in advance.

Answer

Keeping a journal of notarial acts, although it is not mandatory.

Question 4

A signer brings a document to an Ohio notary and appears to be confused, unable to explain the purpose of the document, and seems pressured by a family member who is present. According to Ohio law, the notary should:

Accepted Answer

Refuse to perform the notarization.

Answer

Notarize the document as long as the signer presents valid identification.

Answer

Ask the family member to explain the document to the signer.

Answer

Proceed with the notarization but make a note of the circumstances in the journal.

Question 5

An Ohio notary who is not an attorney advertises their services in a local community newsletter. Which of the following statements in the advertisement would be a prohibited act?

Accepted Answer

"Expert in Immigration Paperwork and Processing"

Answer

"Certified and Commissioned by the Ohio Secretary of State"

Answer

"Mobile Notary Services Available - I Come to You!"

Answer

"Fees in Accordance with Ohio State Law"

Question 6

Under what specific circumstance may an Ohio notary use a facsimile signature stamp instead of a handwritten signature on a notarial certificate?

Accepted Answer

When the notary has a physical disability and has provided written notice to the Secretary of State.

Answer

Only when notarizing a high volume of documents for their employer.

Answer

At any time, as long as the stamp is an exact replica of their signature.

Answer

Never; a handwritten signature is always required for traditional notarizations.

An Ohio notary who is not an attorney is asked by a client to select the appropriate notarial certificate for a document.Which of the following actions is the notary permitted to take?

An Ohio notary who is not an attorney is asked by a client to select the appropriate notarial certificate for a document.
Which of the following actions is the notary permitted to take?