PA Notary Oaths & Affirmations 2

Question 1

A Pennsylvania notary is asked to administer an oath for an affidavit. The signer states they do not believe in God. What should the notary do?

Accepted Answer

Administer an affirmation instead of an oath

Answer

Refuse to notarize the affidavit

Answer

Require the signer to find a notary of the same religious belief

Answer

Proceed with the oath and note the signer's objection in the journal

Question 2

Which of the following documents typically requires the administration of an oath or affirmation by a Pennsylvania notary?

Accepted Answer

An affidavit submitted as evidence in a court proceeding

Answer

A contract for the sale of goods under $500

Answer

A deed transferring real estate requiring an acknowledgment

Answer

A corporate resolution authorizing officers to sign

Question 3

What must appear on the jurat certificate that a Pennsylvania notary completes after administering an oath?

Accepted Answer

The venue (county and state), notary signature, seal, commission expiration date, and a statement that the oath was administered

Answer

The signer's social security number and date of birth

Answer

The names of all witnesses present and their addresses

Answer

A certified copy of the document's full content

Question 4

May a Pennsylvania notary express a preference for an oath over an affirmation, or vice versa, when asked to administer one?

Accepted Answer

No, the notary must remain neutral and respect the signer's choice

Answer

Yes, if the notary believes an oath is more legally binding

Answer

Yes, if the type of document being signed requires it by law

Answer

No, unless the document specifically mandates an oath by statute

Question 5

What is a deposition, and what role does a Pennsylvania notary play when one is taken?

Accepted Answer

A deposition is sworn out-of-court testimony; the notary administers the oath to the witness before testimony is given

Answer

A deposition is a property transfer; the notary acknowledges the grantor's signature

Answer

A deposition is a type of affidavit filed with the courts; the notary certifies the copy

Answer

A deposition is a formal court hearing; notaries are not permitted to participate

Question 6

A PA notary administers an oath but forgets to verbally say the oath words and simply has the signer raise their hand and sign. What is the legal effect?

Accepted Answer

The notarial act is defective because the verbal administration of the oath was omitted

Answer

The oath is still valid because the signer raised their right hand

Answer

The oath is valid if the jurat certificate is properly completed and sealed

Answer

The notary must re-administer the oath within 30 days to cure the defect

Question 7

Under Pennsylvania law, besides notaries public, which of the following officers is ALSO authorized to administer oaths?

Accepted Answer

Magisterial district judges and other judicial officers

Answer

Licensed attorneys acting in their private practice

Answer

Bank branch managers for financial affidavits

Answer

Real estate agents for property-related affidavits