PA Notary Prohibited Acts & UPL 5

Question 1

A signer gives a notary a power of attorney with several blank lines and asks for it to be notarized now so the blanks can be filled in later. The notary should:

Accepted Answer

Refuse to notarize an incomplete record

Answer

Notarize it and note the blanks in the journal

Answer

Notarize it if the signer initials each blank

Answer

Fill in the blanks based on the signer's verbal instructions

Question 2

Which statement about a Pennsylvania notary who is also a licensed Pennsylvania attorney is correct?

Accepted Answer

They may give legal advice because their law license authorizes it

Answer

They may not give legal advice while acting as a notary

Answer

They must give up the notary commission to practice law

Answer

They may give legal advice only on immigration matters

Question 3

A non-attorney notary offers a 'document preparation' service in which they write the wording of affidavits for clients. This is:

Accepted Answer

Unauthorized practice of law

Answer

Allowed if the client signs it in front of the notary

Answer

Allowed if the fee stays within statutory limits

Answer

Allowed only for affidavits used out of state

Question 4

A notary's commission expired last week, but the notary still has the stamp. A friend needs an acknowledgment. The notary should:

Accepted Answer

Refuse, because performing notarial acts after the commission expires is prohibited

Answer

Notarize it with the old stamp because renewal is pending

Answer

Notarize it and backdate the certificate to before expiration

Answer

Notarize it if the friend agrees in writing

Question 5

Which term is a non-attorney Pennsylvania notary specifically prohibited from using in advertising?

Accepted Answer

Notario Publico

Answer

Notary Public

Answer

Commissioned by the Commonwealth

Answer

Mobile Notary

Question 6

A signer seems confused and cannot explain what the document is, though their ID is valid. What may the notary do?

Accepted Answer

Refuse to perform the act because the notary doubts the signer's competence or awareness

Answer

Notarize it anyway because the ID is valid

Answer

Ask a family member to sign on the signer's behalf

Answer

Explain the document's legal effect so the signer understands it

Question 7

A notary completes an acknowledgment certificate stating that the signer personally appeared, but the signer actually signed at home and dropped the document off. This is:

Accepted Answer

A false certificate and official misconduct

Answer

Acceptable if the notary recognizes the signature

Answer

Acceptable if the notary calls the signer to confirm

Answer

Acceptable for documents that will not be recorded

PA Notary Prohibited Acts & UPL 5

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