UT Notary Document Identification and Verification 3

Question 1

A Utah notary is asked to certify a copy of a college diploma. Is this an authorized notarial act?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a college diploma is a non-recordable private document that may be copy-certified by a notary

Answer

A college diploma is a private document (not a government record) and may be copy-certified by a Utah notary under Utah Code § 46-1-6.

Question 2

What should a Utah notary do if a document presented for notarization has obvious alterations (crossed-out words or handwritten changes)?

Accepted Answer

Proceed only if the signer initials the alterations and the notary notes them in the journal

Answer

If a document has alterations, best practice is to have the signer initial each alteration and to note the alterations in the notary's journal before proceeding.

Question 3

A Utah notary performs a copy certification. What exactly does the notary certify?

Accepted Answer

That the photocopy is a true and accurate reproduction of the original document

Answer

In a copy certification, the notary certifies only that the photocopy accurately reproduces the original document — not that the original's contents are true or valid.

Question 4

Under Utah law, may a notary refuse to perform a notarial act for a document they personally find objectionable?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a notary may decline any requested act as long as they do not discriminate illegally

Answer

A Utah notary may refuse to perform a notarial act for any reason, provided the refusal does not constitute illegal discrimination based on protected characteristics.

Question 5

When a Utah notary certifies a copy of a document, must the notary have possession of the original at the time of certification?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the notary must examine the original document and the copy together to perform the certification

Answer

To certify a copy, the notary must compare the photocopy to the original, which requires having the original present at the time of the certification.

(UT Notary) Utah Notary Exam Practice Test

(UT Notary) Utah Notary Exam Practice Test

UT Notary Document Identification and Verification 3