ID Notary - Idaho Notary Proper Notarization Procedures Questions and Answers

Question 1

An individual presents a document for notarization that has already been signed. Which of the following notarial acts can an Idaho notary properly perform?

Accepted Answer

Acknowledgment

Answer

For an acknowledgment, the signer must personally appear before the notary and affirm that the signature on the document is their own and was made willingly. The document can be signed before being presented to the notary. For a jurat or witnessing a signature, the document must be signed in the notary's presence.

Question 2

Which of the following is a mandatory requirement for an official notary stamp in Idaho?

Accepted Answer

The notary's state-issued commission number

Answer

According to Idaho law, every official notary stamp must contain the notary's name as it appears on the commission, the words "Notary Public," the words "State of Idaho," and the notary's state-issued commission number. Including the commission expiration date is optional but recommended.

Question 3

A person asks an Idaho notary to draft a simple power of attorney document and then notarize it. How should the notary respond?

Accepted Answer

Refuse to draft the document but offer to notarize it if drafted by someone else.

Answer

Idaho law explicitly prohibits notaries public from drafting legal records or giving legal advice unless they are also a licensed attorney. Doing so constitutes the unauthorized practice of law. The correct action is to decline drafting the document but explain that they can perform the notarization once the document is properly prepared by the signer or another authorized individual.

Question 4

Regarding the use of a notary journal in Idaho for traditional, in-person notarizations, which statement is correct?

Accepted Answer

The journal is not required by law, but it is strongly recommended as a best practice.

Answer

Idaho law does not legally require notaries to maintain a journal for traditional or electronic notarizations. However, the Secretary of State strongly recommends it as a best practice to protect the notary and the public. While specific formats are recommended if a journal is kept, its use is not mandatory.

Question 5

An Idaho notary is presented with a valid, unexpired Canadian driver's license as proof of identity. What should the notary do?

Accepted Answer

Reject the ID and require a passport, U.S. driver's license, or other state-approved ID.

Answer

Acceptable forms of identification in Idaho must be issued by a state or federal government entity of the United States. A foreign passport is acceptable if stamped by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), but a foreign driver's license is not on the list of approved IDs. Therefore, the notary must refuse this form of ID and request an acceptable alternative.

ID Notary - Idaho Notary Exam Practice Test

ID Notary - Idaho Notary Exam Practice Test

ID Notary - Idaho Notary Proper Notarization Procedures Questions and Answers