KS - Notary Notary Qualifications and Application Questions and Answers

Question 1

Which of the following is a mandatory qualification for an individual seeking to become a Notary Public in Kansas?

Accepted Answer

Be a legal resident of Kansas or a resident of a bordering state who is regularly employed in Kansas.

Answer

Kansas law requires a notary applicant to be a legal resident of Kansas OR a resident of a bordering state (Missouri, Nebraska, Colorado, or Oklahoma) who regularly carries on a business or profession in Kansas or is regularly employed in the state. The minimum age is 18, not 21, and there are no specific durational residency or driver's license requirements mentioned in the statutes.

Question 2

A first-time notary applicant in Kansas is preparing their application packet for the Secretary of State. What is the required surety bond amount they must obtain?

Accepted Answer

$12,000

Answer

Effective January 1, 2022, Kansas law requires all new and renewing notary applicants to secure a $12,000 surety bond for their four-year commission term. This bond protects the public from financial harm due to notarial errors or misconduct.

Question 3

An individual was convicted of a felony five years ago. They have since completed their sentence and wish to apply for a notary commission in Kansas. How does their past conviction affect their eligibility?

Accepted Answer

They are permanently disqualified from becoming a notary.

Answer

According to Kansas statutes, a conviction of any felony is a disqualifying factor for a notary public commission. The law does not provide for a waiting period or waiver process for felony convictions, making the individual permanently ineligible.

Question 4

Before submitting their application to the Kansas Secretary of State, an applicant must complete several steps. Which of the following is a required action during the application process?

Accepted Answer

Take an oath of office before another commissioned notary public.

Answer

The Kansas notary application form includes an oath of office. The applicant must sign this oath in the presence of a currently commissioned notary, who will then notarize the applicant's signature. While training is required for remote online notarization, it is not required for a traditional commission, and there is no general state exam or requirement for character references.

Question 5

A Missouri resident works a full-time job at an office in Overland Park, Kansas. They are 19 years old, a U.S. citizen, and can read and write English. Are they eligible to apply for a Kansas notary commission?

Accepted Answer

Yes, because they meet the age, citizenship, and border state employment requirements.

Answer

Kansas law allows residents of bordering states to become Kansas notaries if they are regularly employed or conduct business in Kansas. Since the individual works full-time in Kansas and meets the other qualifications (over 18, U.S. citizen, proficient in English), they are eligible to apply. Once commissioned, their authority is not limited to their place of employment.

KS - Notary Exam Practice Test

KS - Notary Exam Practice Test

KS - Notary Notary Qualifications and Application Questions and Answers