GA Notary - Georgia Notary Notary Seal and Certificate Questions and Answers

Question 1

A Georgia notary public has recently purchased a new seal. Which of the following elements is required to be on the seal for it to comply with Georgia law?

Accepted Answer

The name of the county of appointment

Answer

According to O.C.G.A. § 45-17-6, a Georgia notary seal must contain the notary's name as commissioned, the words 'Notary Public,' the name of the state, and the county of appointment. There is no requirement for the commission expiration date or number to be on the seal.

Question 2

When completing a notarial certificate, a Georgia notary must sign their name. According to Georgia law, how must the signature appear?

Accepted Answer

Exactly as the name appears on the notary's commission.

Answer

Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 45-17-8.1) specifies that in documenting a notarial act, a notary must sign the notarial certificate by hand in ink exactly as the name is indicated on the notary's commission.

Question 3

A Georgia notary performs a notarial act on a deed for a real estate transaction. Which of the following is TRUE regarding the notarial certificate for this specific type of document?

Accepted Answer

The date of the notarial act is not required on the certificate.

Answer

O.C.G.A. § 45-17-8.1(b) creates an exception for deeds and other instruments pertaining to real property, stating that the requirement to record the exact date of the notarial act does not apply. While a rubber stamp is sufficient and there's no specific ink color mandate (though blue or black is best practice), the date exception is a specific statutory rule.

Question 4

Which of the following statements is accurate regarding the use of a notary seal in Georgia?

Accepted Answer

An inked rubber stamp is sufficient for imprinting the notary's seal.

Answer

Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 45-17-6) explicitly states that while an embossment is authorized, the use of a rubber or other type stamp is sufficient for imprinting the notary's seal. It also clarifies that a scrawl is not sufficient and the seal is required for authenticating all notarial acts. There are no specific shape or size requirements mandated by the law.

Question 5

A notary is notarizing a document for a client and has affixed their seal and signed the notarial certificate. What final piece of information, aside from their signature and seal, is generally required on the notarial certificate before the act is considered complete?

Accepted Answer

The exact date of the notarial act.

Answer

According to O.C.G.A. § 45-17-8.1, in addition to signing exactly as commissioned, a notary shall also record the exact date of the notarial act on the notarial certificate (unless it's a real property instrument).

(GA Notary) Georgia Notary Exam Practice Test

(GA Notary) Georgia Notary Exam Practice Test

GA Notary - Georgia Notary Notary Seal and Certificate Questions and Answers