Washington State Notary Public Exam — Questions and Answers

Question 1: What must a Washington notary do after relying on a credible witness to identify a signer?

Obtain a letter from the credible witness
File a report with the Secretary of State
Have the credible witness sign the document
Record the credible witness's name and ID information in the notary journal (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Record the credible witness's name and ID information in the notary journal

The notary should record the credible witness's name and identifying information in the notary journal when using this identification method.

Question 2: What information must appear in a Washington acknowledgment certificate?

The document title and filing date
The notary's home address and phone number
Only the notary's name and seal
Venue, notary signature, commission expiration date, and seal (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Venue, notary signature, commission expiration date, and seal

A Washington acknowledgment certificate must include the venue (state/county), notary's signature, commission expiration date, and official seal.

Question 3: Under Washington State law, may a notary charge fees for performing remote online notarizations?

No, only the technology provider may collect fees from the signer
Yes, but only if pre-authorized by the Secretary of State for each transaction
No, RON must be offered free of charge since the technology replaces physical presence
Yes, Washington notaries may charge for RON acts, and may also charge fees associated with RON technology (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Yes, Washington notaries may charge for RON acts, and may also charge fees associated with RON technology

Washington permits notaries to charge fees for remote online notarial acts and may also pass through fees associated with the RON technology platform.

Question 4: If a Washington notary performs an electronic notarization, what additional information must be recorded in the journal?

The method of identity verification used for the signer. (Correct answer)
The digital certificate used by the notary.
The IP address of the signer.
The platform used for the electronic notarization.

Correct answer: The method of identity verification used for the signer.

For electronic notarizations, Washington law requires additional information in the journal to ensure the integrity of the remote process. Recording the specific method of identity verification used for the signer is crucial, as it documents how the notary confirmed the signer's identity without their physical presence. This adds an extra layer of security and accountability to remote notarizations.

Question 5: What is the minimum age requirement to become a notary public in Washington?

18 years old (Correct answer)
25 years old
21 years old
16 years old

Correct answer: 18 years old

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age to apply for a Washington notary commission.

Question 6: If a signer's name on their ID does not exactly match the name on the document, what should a Washington notary do?

Use judgment to determine if the difference is minor and explainable, then proceed with a notation if appropriate (Correct answer)
Require the document to be retyped with the matching name
Refuse to notarize under any circumstances
Always require a second ID to match the document name

Correct answer: Use judgment to determine if the difference is minor and explainable, then proceed with a notation if appropriate

Minor name discrepancies (e.g., middle name versus middle initial) can be addressed with careful judgment and a notation; significant differences may require the document to be corrected.

Question 7: Which of the following pieces of information must a Washington notary public record in their journal for every notarial act?

The address of the signer.
The type of document being notarized. (Correct answer)
The fee charged for the notarial act. (Correct answer)
The date and time of the notarization. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The type of document being notarized.

Washington notary law mandates specific information to be recorded in the notary journal for every act. The date and time of the notarization are critical entries, providing a chronological record of the event. This detail is essential for accountability, auditing, and verifying the legitimacy of the notarial act if questions arise later.

Question 8: What qualifications must a credible witness meet in Washington to identify a signer?

Must personally know the signer, be personally known to the notary, and have no financial interest in the document (Correct answer)
Must be at least 65 years old
Must be a government official
Must be a licensed attorney or notary

Correct answer: Must personally know the signer, be personally known to the notary, and have no financial interest in the document

A Washington credible witness must personally know the signer, be known to the notary, and have no interest in the document being notarized.

Question 9: If a signer fails knowledge-based authentication (KBA) during a remote online notarization session, the Washington notary must:

Complete the notarization based on the credential analysis result alone
Contact the Secretary of State's office for guidance before proceeding
Immediately retry KBA with the same set of questions
Refuse to complete the notarization (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Refuse to complete the notarization

Failing KBA means the required identity standard has not been met, so the notary must refuse to complete the notarization.

Question 10: Can a Washington notary photograph or photocopy a signer's ID as part of their record-keeping?

No, this violates privacy law in all cases
Only with the signer's written consent
Only for remote online notarizations
Yes, Washington permits notaries to retain copies of ID if allowed by their practices and applicable law (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Yes, Washington permits notaries to retain copies of ID if allowed by their practices and applicable law

While not required, Washington notaries may retain copies of identification documents in accordance with applicable privacy laws and best practices.

Question 11: What type of communication technology is required to conduct a remote online notarization in Washington State?

Encrypted email with electronic signature attachment
Real-time audio-visual communication technology (Correct answer)
Telephone conference calls
Asynchronous video recording submitted by the signer

Correct answer: Real-time audio-visual communication technology

Washington requires remote online notarizations to use real-time audio-visual communication technology so the notary and signer can interact simultaneously.

Question 12: What is the required retention period for a Washington notary’s journal?

15 years
4 years
10 years (Correct answer)
2 years

Correct answer: 10 years

In Washington State, a notary public is required to retain their journal for a period of 10 years after the last entry. This lengthy retention period ensures that a comprehensive record of all notarial acts is available for legal, investigative, or administrative purposes for a significant duration. It provides a long-term audit trail for official acts.

Question 13: What is the primary purpose of requiring tamper-evident technology in Washington State electronic notarizations?

To prevent unauthorized access to the notary's electronic journal
To verify the identity of future readers of the document
To make notarized documents easier to store digitally
To ensure any alteration made to a document after notarization is detectable (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To ensure any alteration made to a document after notarization is detectable

Tamper-evident technology ensures that any modification to an electronically notarized document after the notarization is performed will be detectable, protecting the integrity of the act.

Question 14: Is a Washington notary required to post their fee schedule publicly?

Yes, it must be posted at their place of business
Only for notaries who charge more than $5 per act
No, there is no mandatory posting requirement (Correct answer)
Yes, fees must be filed with the county auditor

Correct answer: No, there is no mandatory posting requirement

Washington does not require notaries to publicly post their fee schedules, though doing so is a transparent and professional practice.

Question 15: Which statement correctly describes the legal status of an electronic signature used in Washington State notarizations?

Any commercially available electronic signature service may be used freely
Only UETA-compliant signatures are valid for notarial acts
The notary's electronic signature must be unique to them and capable of independent verification (Correct answer)
Electronic signatures are not legally recognized for any notarial acts in Washington

Correct answer: The notary's electronic signature must be unique to them and capable of independent verification

Washington law requires that a notary's electronic signature be unique to the notary and capable of independent verification to ensure authenticity and prevent misuse.

Question 16: What penalty does Washington impose for willfully making a false oath before a notary?

Perjury charges, which is a felony (Correct answer)
A misdemeanor with a small fine
A civil fine only
Suspension of notary privileges

Correct answer: Perjury charges, which is a felony

Making a false oath before a notary in Washington constitutes perjury, which is a felony offense under Washington law.

Question 17: Can a Washington notary accept an expired driver's license as satisfactory identification?

Yes, any government ID is acceptable
No, the identification document must be current (not expired) (Correct answer)
Yes, if accompanied by a second expired ID
Yes, if it expired within the past year

Correct answer: No, the identification document must be current (not expired)

Expired identification is not considered satisfactory evidence in Washington; the ID must be current and valid.

Question 18: What wording does a Washington notary use to administer an oath for a jurat?

Do you certify this document for recording?
Do you swear (or affirm) that the statements in this document are true to the best of your knowledge? (Correct answer)
Do you promise this document is correct?
Do you acknowledge this document is yours?

Correct answer: Do you swear (or affirm) that the statements in this document are true to the best of your knowledge?

The notary should ask the signer to swear or affirm that the contents of the document are true to the best of their knowledge and belief.

Question 19: What term describes the illegal practice of a Washington notary presenting themselves as having legal authority they do not possess?

Notary fraud
Commission abuse
False attestation
Unauthorized practice of law (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Unauthorized practice of law

When a notary acts as though they have legal authority they do not possess, it constitutes unauthorized practice of law, which is illegal in Washington.

Question 20: Under which of the following circumstances must a Washington notary public provide access to their journal?

When a law enforcement officer requests it. (Correct answer)
When the public requests to inspect all entries.
When a court subpoenas the journal. (Correct answer)
When the Secretary of State's office requests it during an investigation. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: When a law enforcement officer requests it.

A Washington Notary Public's journal is a legal record and must be made available under specific legal circumstances. When a court issues a subpoena, the notary is legally compelled to provide access to the journal. This ensures that the judicial system can review notarial acts as needed for legal proceedings and investigations.

Question 21: Which of the following acts would NOT typically result in a penalty for a Washington notary public?

Failing to keep a journal of notarial acts.
Notarizing a document for a close family member without disclosing the relationship.
Incorrectly dating a notarized document. (Correct answer)
Using an expired notary seal.

Correct answer: Incorrectly dating a notarized document.

Incorrectly dating a notarized document is a procedural error that a notary should strive to avoid. However, compared to serious violations like notarizing for a close family member without disclosure (conflict of interest), using an expired notary seal, or failing to maintain a journal, an incorrect date might not typically result in a formal penalty from the Secretary of State unless it's part of a pattern of negligence or intent to deceive. The other options represent more direct and significant breaches of notary law and ethics.

Question 22: Can a Washington notary commission be transferred to another person?

Yes, with Secretary of State approval
Yes, to a family member only
Yes, to another notary in the same county
No, a notary commission is personal and non-transferable (Correct answer)

Correct answer: No, a notary commission is personal and non-transferable

A Washington notary commission is personal to the individual notary and cannot be transferred, sold, or assigned to anyone else.

Question 23: Can a Washington notary perform notarial acts before receiving their official commission certificate?

Yes, after paying the bond
Yes, for a 30-day provisional period
No, the notary must wait until the commission is issued and the oath is filed (Correct answer)
Yes, from the date of application

Correct answer: No, the notary must wait until the commission is issued and the oath is filed

A notary may not perform notarial acts until the commission is officially issued and the oath of office is properly filed.

Question 24: If a signer is physically unable to raise their right hand during an oath in Washington, what should the notary do?

Allow the signer to affirm without raising their hand (Correct answer)
Refuse to administer the oath
Require a witness to raise their hand on behalf of the signer
Only proceed if a doctor certifies the disability

Correct answer: Allow the signer to affirm without raising their hand

Raising the right hand is a ceremonial gesture; the signer may affirm or take the oath in any manner that conveys solemnity and binding intent.

Question 25: What is the required retention period for a Washington notary’s journal?

4 years
10 years (Correct answer)
2 years
15 years

Correct answer: 10 years

Question 26: A Washington notary completes an acknowledgment but forgets to stamp the seal. Is the acknowledgment valid?

Yes, if filed within 10 days
No, but only for real estate documents
No, the official seal is required for a valid notarial act in Washington (Correct answer)
Yes, the signature alone is sufficient

Correct answer: No, the official seal is required for a valid notarial act in Washington

Washington requires the notary's official seal on all notarial certificates; omitting it invalidates the notarization.

Question 27: What must a Washington notary do if they decide to charge for a notarial act?

Obtain written authorization from the Secretary of State
Charge only after the act is complete
Disclose the fee to the signer before performing the notarial act (Correct answer)
File the fee schedule with the county

Correct answer: Disclose the fee to the signer before performing the notarial act

Notaries should disclose their fees to signers before performing the notarial act to avoid disputes.

Question 28: Can a Washington notary rely on personal knowledge to identify a signer instead of checking an ID?

No, an ID must always be checked
Only for family members
Only if the notary has known the person for at least 5 years
Yes, personal knowledge of the signer is an acceptable basis for identification (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Yes, personal knowledge of the signer is an acceptable basis for identification

Washington law recognizes personal knowledge of the signer as a valid alternative basis for identification.

Question 29: In the context of remote online notarization, what is 'credential analysis'?

A technology-based process that authenticates a signer's government-issued ID (Correct answer)
Verifying the notary's commission status in the state database
Reviewing the educational or professional credentials of the signer
Checking whether the document itself is authentic

Correct answer: A technology-based process that authenticates a signer's government-issued ID

Credential analysis is a technology process that examines security features of the signer's government-issued ID to verify its authenticity remotely.

Question 30: Which of the following is a duty of a Washington Notary Public when notarizing a document?

Sign the document on behalf of the signer.
Administer an oath or affirmation if required. (Correct answer)
Verify the identity of the signer. (Correct answer)
Provide legal advice regarding the document.

Correct answer: Administer an oath or affirmation if required.

A primary and essential duty of a Washington Notary Public is to verify the identity of the signer. This ensures that the person signing the document is indeed who they claim to be, preventing fraud and upholding the integrity of the notarial act. Without proper identification, the notarization cannot proceed, safeguarding the legal process.

Question 31: If an acknowledgment certificate is missing from a document, what should a Washington notary do?

Sign and seal the document anyway
Refuse to notarize the document
Attach a separate loose certificate with proper wording (Correct answer)
Write the certificate wording on any blank space available

Correct answer: Attach a separate loose certificate with proper wording

A notary may attach a separate loose acknowledgment certificate when the document itself has no certificate wording.

Question 32: A Washington notary is convicted of a felony. What is the effect on their commission?

The notary must pay a fine but may continue notarizing
The commission may be revoked by the Secretary of State (Correct answer)
No effect if the felony is unrelated to notarial duties
The commission is automatically suspended for 6 months

Correct answer: The commission may be revoked by the Secretary of State

A felony conviction is grounds for the Secretary of State to revoke or deny a Washington notary commission.

Question 33: Can a Washington notary practice law or give legal advice as part of their notary services?

No, notaries may not practice law or give legal advice unless they are also licensed attorneys (Correct answer)
Only for immigration documents
Yes, if they have paralegal training
Yes, for simple document preparation

Correct answer: No, notaries may not practice law or give legal advice unless they are also licensed attorneys

Notaries who are not licensed attorneys are prohibited from practicing law or giving legal advice in Washington.

Question 34: A Washington notary's electronic seal must contain which of the following information?

The notary's name, photo, and county of commission
The notary's name, address, and bar number
The notary's name, signature, and the Secretary of State's endorsement
The notary's name, commission number, and commission expiration date (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The notary's name, commission number, and commission expiration date

An electronic notary seal must include the notary's name, commission number, and commission expiration date, mirroring the required elements of a physical seal.

Question 35: What can be a consequence for a Washington notary public who fails to perform their duties according to state law?

Reprimand from the Governor
Legal action from the signer
Loss of commission (Correct answer)
Mandatory retraining

Correct answer: Loss of commission

A significant consequence for a Washington notary public who fails to perform their duties according to state law is the loss of their commission. This can occur through suspension or revocation, meaning they are no longer authorized to perform notarial acts. This penalty is imposed by the Secretary of State to ensure public trust and uphold the integrity of the notarial office.

Question 36: Which of the following best describes a Washington notary's responsibility when selecting a technology vendor for remote online notarization?

The notary must use a platform approved or compliant with Washington Secretary of State standards (Correct answer)
The notary's responsibility ends once the signer downloads the vendor's app
The notary may use any commercially available video conferencing platform such as Zoom or Teams
The notary must build their own secure platform to maintain neutrality

Correct answer: The notary must use a platform approved or compliant with Washington Secretary of State standards

A Washington notary is responsible for using a technology platform that meets the standards established by the Washington Secretary of State for remote online notarization.

Question 37: Is education or training required to obtain a Washington notary commission?

Only for remote online notarization authorization
Yes, a 3-hour ethics course is required
Yes, a state-approved course is mandatory
No, Washington does not currently require mandatory training (Correct answer)

Correct answer: No, Washington does not currently require mandatory training

Washington does not require mandatory pre-commission education for traditional notaries, though training is recommended.

Question 38: In Washington, must a signer sign the document in the notary's presence during an acknowledgment?

Only for real estate documents
No, the signer may have signed earlier and simply acknowledges the signature before the notary (Correct answer)
Only if the notary requests it
Yes, always

Correct answer: No, the signer may have signed earlier and simply acknowledges the signature before the notary

For an acknowledgment, the signer does not need to sign in the notary's presence — they only need to acknowledge the signature is theirs.

Question 39: Can a Washington notary perform a jurat for a document that has already been signed before the notary's presence?

Yes, with a credible witness present
Yes, if the signer takes the oath
Yes, if the notary witnesses the date of signing
No, a jurat requires the signer to sign in the notary's presence (Correct answer)

Correct answer: No, a jurat requires the signer to sign in the notary's presence

A jurat requires the document to be signed in the notary's presence; if already signed, the signer must re-sign before the notary.

Question 40: Can a Washington notary perform an acknowledgment for a document signed by someone who is not physically present?

Yes, if they know the signer personally
Yes, with a fax copy
No, the signer must personally appear before the notary (except for remote online notarization) (Correct answer)
Yes, with a power of attorney

Correct answer: No, the signer must personally appear before the notary (except for remote online notarization)

Washington law requires personal appearance for traditional notarization; remote online notarization is the authorized exception.

Question 41: Which of the following are acceptable forms of identification for a Washington Notary to verify the identity of a signer?

A driver's license issued 10 years ago but not expired.
An employee badge with the person's photo and name.
A personal acquaintance of the notary without an ID.
A current passport. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A current passport.

Washington Notary Publics must verify a signer's identity using reliable identification to prevent fraud. A current passport is considered a strong form of identification because it is government-issued, contains a photograph and signature, and has robust security features. Expired IDs or non-government badges are typically not acceptable for identity verification.

Question 42: How does a jurat differ from an acknowledgment in Washington?

There is no difference in Washington
An acknowledgment requires a fee; a jurat does not
A jurat requires a seal; an acknowledgment does not
A jurat requires the signer to swear an oath and sign in the notary's presence; an acknowledgment only requires appearance (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A jurat requires the signer to swear an oath and sign in the notary's presence; an acknowledgment only requires appearance

Unlike an acknowledgment, a jurat requires the signer to both sign in the notary's presence and swear or affirm to the truthfulness of the contents.

Question 43: What must a Washington notary verify before completing an acknowledgment?

That the document has no errors
That the document is filed with the county
That the document was notarized before
The signer's identity and that they signed willingly (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The signer's identity and that they signed willingly

The notary must verify the signer's identity and ensure they are signing voluntarily before completing an acknowledgment.

Question 44: What is the primary purpose of a notary acknowledgment in Washington State?

To confirm the signer appeared before the notary and acknowledged signing voluntarily (Correct answer)
To verify the document's contents are accurate
To witness the signer's signature in real time
To certify the document is legally binding

Correct answer: To confirm the signer appeared before the notary and acknowledged signing voluntarily

An acknowledgment confirms that the signer personally appeared before the notary and voluntarily acknowledged executing the document.

Question 45: Can a Washington notary charge a higher fee for a remote online notarization (RON) than for an in-person notarization?

No, fees must be identical for all notarizations
Only if the notary has special RON certification
Yes, Washington sets a different maximum fee for RON (Correct answer)
Only for interstate RON transactions

Correct answer: Yes, Washington sets a different maximum fee for RON

Washington law sets a higher maximum fee for remote online notarizations to account for the additional technology requirements involved.

Question 46: What must a Washington notary do when their commission expires and they wish to continue notarizing?

Wait 30 days after expiration and then reapply
Submit a renewal application, new bond, and fee before expiration (Correct answer)
File a simple renewal form with no bond requirement
Request an extension from the county auditor

Correct answer: Submit a renewal application, new bond, and fee before expiration

To renew a Washington notary commission, the notary must submit a renewal application with a new surety bond and the required fee.

Question 47: Which of the following is considered satisfactory evidence of identity for a Washington notary?

A credit card with the signer's name
A utility bill with the signer's address
A current passport, driver's license, or other government-issued photo ID (Correct answer)
A library card with a photo

Correct answer: A current passport, driver's license, or other government-issued photo ID

Satisfactory evidence of identity in Washington includes current government-issued photo IDs such as passports, driver's licenses, and state ID cards.

Question 48: What is the primary method a Washington notary uses to verify a signer's identity?

Accepting the signer's verbal assurance
Examining satisfactory evidence of identity such as a government-issued photo ID (Correct answer)
Contacting the document's issuing agency
Checking public records online

Correct answer: Examining satisfactory evidence of identity such as a government-issued photo ID

Washington notaries must verify identity through satisfactory evidence, which typically includes a current government-issued photo ID.

Question 49: Is a Washington notary required to be a U.S. citizen to receive a commission?

No, legal residents may also qualify (Correct answer)
Only natural-born citizens may apply
Citizenship is required only for government notaries
Yes, citizenship is required

Correct answer: No, legal residents may also qualify

Washington does not require notary applicants to be U.S. citizens; legal residents who meet other qualifications may also apply.

Question 50: Can a Washington notary use two credible witnesses instead of one to identify a signer?

No, only one credible witness is ever used
No, two witnesses create a conflict of interest
Yes, but only for real estate documents
Yes, two credible witnesses may be used if neither knows both the signer and the notary (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Yes, two credible witnesses may be used if neither knows both the signer and the notary

Washington allows two credible witnesses who personally know the signer but are not necessarily known to the notary as an alternative identification method.

Question 51: What is a jurat in Washington notary practice?

A certificate confirming the signer's identity only
A document used to transfer property
A record kept in the notary journal
A notarial act where the notary administers an oath and the signer signs in the notary's presence (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A notarial act where the notary administers an oath and the signer signs in the notary's presence

A jurat is a notarial act where the signer must sign the document in the notary's presence and swear or affirm to the truthfulness of the document's contents.

Question 52: What must a Washington notary applicant submit along with their application?

Proof of legal education
The required application fee and a surety bond (Correct answer)
A character reference from a judge
A notarized letter from their employer

Correct answer: The required application fee and a surety bond

Washington notary applicants must submit the application, the required fee, and proof of a $10,000 surety bond.

Question 53: Which notarial act should a Washington notary use when notarizing a sworn financial statement for a loan application?

Acknowledgment
Copy certification
Jurat (Correct answer)
Credible witness declaration

Correct answer: Jurat

A sworn financial statement requires the signer to swear to its truthfulness, making a jurat the appropriate notarial act.

Question 54: What must a Washington State notary hold before they are eligible to perform electronic notarizations?

Approval from the county auditor's office
A separate electronic notary license issued by the Secretary of State
A valid Washington notary commission (Correct answer)
Federal Electronic Signature certification

Correct answer: A valid Washington notary commission

A notary must first hold a valid traditional Washington notary commission before being authorized to perform electronic or remote online notarizations.

Question 55: How long must a Washington notary retain the audio-visual recording of a remote online notarization session?

1 year
5 years
10 years (Correct answer)
7 years

Correct answer: 10 years

Washington State law requires audio-visual recordings of remote online notarization sessions to be retained for a minimum of 10 years.

Question 56: What must a Washington notary do with their electronic credentials (seal and signature) when their notary commission expires?

Continue using them for up to 30 days during the renewal grace period
Retain them only for documents previously notarized but not yet recorded
Transfer them automatically to the renewed commission
Immediately cease using them upon commission expiration (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Immediately cease using them upon commission expiration

Upon expiration of a Washington notary commission, the notary must immediately stop using their electronic seal and signature, as authority to notarize ceases with the commission.

Question 57: Knowledge-based authentication (KBA) for remote online notarization requires the signer to do which of the following?

Present a physical ID document directly to the camera
Sign a paper document before the video session begins
Provide a shared password previously agreed upon with the notary
Answer questions dynamically generated from their personal history and public records (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Answer questions dynamically generated from their personal history and public records

KBA requires the signer to correctly answer questions derived from their personal history and public records, confirming their identity through knowledge only they should possess.

Question 58: A Washington notary prepares immigration documents for a fee, claiming to be a 'notario.' Is this permissible?

Yes, if the fee is reasonable
Only if disclosures are made in Spanish
No, using the title 'notario' to imply legal authority is deceptive and prohibited in Washington (Correct answer)
Yes, in the Latin American tradition a notario has special authority

Correct answer: No, using the title 'notario' to imply legal authority is deceptive and prohibited in Washington

In Washington, using the title 'notario' to imply legal expertise is deceptive because the term suggests attorney-like authority in Latin American cultures, which U.S. notaries do not have.

Question 59: Which of the following documents most commonly requires a notary acknowledgment in Washington?

Real estate deeds and mortgages (Correct answer)
Employment contracts
Tax returns
Medical records

Correct answer: Real estate deeds and mortgages

Real estate deeds and mortgages are among the most common documents requiring a notarized acknowledgment in Washington.

Question 60: What information should a Washington notary record about the signer's ID in the notary journal?

A photocopy of the ID
Only the type of document presented
The type of ID, the ID number, and the expiration date (Correct answer)
Only the signer's name as it appears on the ID

Correct answer: The type of ID, the ID number, and the expiration date

Best practice and some state requirements call for recording the type of ID, its number, and expiration date to create a complete audit trail.

Question 61: Can a Washington notary charge a travel fee in addition to the notarial act fee?

Yes, Washington allows notaries to charge travel fees if the signer agrees in advance (Correct answer)
Only for hospital or nursing home visits
No, travel fees are prohibited
Only for travel over 50 miles

Correct answer: Yes, Washington allows notaries to charge travel fees if the signer agrees in advance

Washington notaries may charge a separate travel fee for mobile notarization services, provided the signer agrees to the fee in advance.

Question 62: What is a key requirement for the audio-visual recording of a remote online notarization session in Washington?

It must be stored exclusively on a Secretary of State-approved cloud storage platform
It only needs to capture the moment of signing and the notary's acknowledgment statement
It must capture the entire notarization process and be retained for at least 10 years (Correct answer)
It must be submitted to the Secretary of State within 30 days of the notarization

Correct answer: It must capture the entire notarization process and be retained for at least 10 years

Washington requires the audio-visual recording to capture the entire RON session and be retained by the notary for a minimum of 10 years.

Question 63: Can a Washington notary commission be revoked?

Yes, the Secretary of State may revoke a commission for misconduct or other violations (Correct answer)
Only by a court order
No, a commission is permanent once granted
Only if the notary is convicted of a felony

Correct answer: Yes, the Secretary of State may revoke a commission for misconduct or other violations

The Secretary of State has authority to revoke, suspend, or deny a Washington notary commission for violations of notary law or professional conduct.

Question 64: What is the effect of a defective acknowledgment on a real property deed in Washington?

The deed is valid between the parties but may not be recorded (Correct answer)
The deed may be unrecordable and the transfer may lack constructive notice
The deed is void and the transfer never occurred
There is no effect if witnesses signed

Correct answer: The deed is valid between the parties but may not be recorded

A defective acknowledgment generally prevents recording but may still be valid between the immediate parties to the transaction.

Question 65: What is the maximum fine a Washington notary public can face for improper conduct or failure to perform their duties correctly?

$2,500
$500
$1,000 (Correct answer)
$5,000

Correct answer: $1,000

For improper conduct or failure to perform their duties correctly, a Washington notary public can face a maximum civil penalty fine of $1,000 per violation. This fine serves as a deterrent against negligence or misconduct and reinforces the importance of adhering to state notarial laws and regulations. The Secretary of State imposes these penalties to uphold professional standards.

Question 66: What must a Washington notary do with their seal and journal when their commission ends?

Transfer them to another commissioned notary
Keep the journal for at least 10 years and destroy or deface the seal (Correct answer)
Destroy them immediately
Return both to the Secretary of State

Correct answer: Keep the journal for at least 10 years and destroy or deface the seal

Upon commission expiration or resignation, the notary should retain the journal for at least 10 years and destroy or deface the seal to prevent unauthorized use.

Question 67: What must electronic notarial certificates include to comply with Washington State law?

A tamper-evident electronic seal and the notary's electronic signature (Correct answer)
A physical embossed seal impression
A wet ink signature from the notary
A QR code linking to the notary's commission record

Correct answer: A tamper-evident electronic seal and the notary's electronic signature

Electronic notarial certificates must include a tamper-evident electronic seal and the notary's electronic signature to satisfy Washington State requirements.

Question 68: What should a Washington notary do if a signer cannot provide a satisfactory ID?

Proceed based on their personal knowledge of the signer
Call the Secretary of State for guidance
Use a credible witness or another approved identification method (Correct answer)
Accept any card with the signer's name

Correct answer: Use a credible witness or another approved identification method

If a signer lacks satisfactory ID, a Washington notary may use a credible witness who personally knows the signer to vouch for their identity.

Question 69: Does Washington State set maximum fees that a notary may charge for notarial acts?

Only for government-related documents
Only for notaries employed by financial institutions
No, fees are entirely unregulated in Washington
Yes, Washington law establishes maximum fees for notarial acts (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Yes, Washington law establishes maximum fees for notarial acts

Washington law sets maximum fees that notaries may charge for individual notarial acts to protect the public from excessive charges.

Question 70: What action should a Washington notary public take if they become aware of a mistake in a notarized document?

Notify the signer and correct the mistake in the journal. (Correct answer)
Ignore the mistake if the document is already filed.
Attempt to correct the mistake by altering the document.
Contact the Secretary of State immediately and inform them of the mistake.

Correct answer: Notify the signer and correct the mistake in the journal.

If a Washington notary public discovers a mistake in a notarized document, the correct procedure is to notify the signer and make an accurate correction in their notary journal. The notary should never alter the document themselves after the notarial act is complete. This process ensures transparency and maintains the integrity of the notarial record.

Question 71: How must a Washington notary notify the Secretary of State if their name changes during the commission term?

They must file a name change notification and update their commission (Correct answer)
They do not need to notify the Secretary of State
They must resign and reapply
They must submit a court order within 5 days

Correct answer: They must file a name change notification and update their commission

A notary whose name changes must notify the Secretary of State and update their commission information, including obtaining a new seal with the new name.

Question 72: Under Washington State law, which agency approves the technology platforms used for remote online notarization?

The Washington State Bar Association
The Federal Reserve Board
The Washington Secretary of State (Correct answer)
The county auditor in the notary's county

Correct answer: The Washington Secretary of State

The Washington Secretary of State is responsible for approving technology platforms that notaries may use to conduct remote online notarizations.

Question 73: Where must a Washington notary be a resident or have their principal place of employment to obtain a commission?

In the United States generally
Only in their county of residence
In the Pacific Northwest region
In the State of Washington (Correct answer)

Correct answer: In the State of Washington

Notary applicants must reside in Washington or have their principal place of employment or practice in Washington.

Question 74: For a Washington corporate acknowledgment, who may sign on behalf of a corporation?

Only the CEO
Any employee of the corporation
Any two employees together
An authorized officer or agent as specified in corporate documents (Correct answer)

Correct answer: An authorized officer or agent as specified in corporate documents

Corporate documents must be signed by an authorized officer or agent, and the acknowledgment should reflect that representative capacity.

Question 75: A Washington notary advertises notary services in Spanish. Must they disclose they are not an attorney?

No disclosure is required
Only if they offer immigration services
Only if a client asks directly
Yes, they must clearly state they are not an attorney and cannot give legal advice (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Yes, they must clearly state they are not an attorney and cannot give legal advice

Washington notaries who advertise in languages other than English must include a disclaimer that they are not attorneys and cannot give legal advice.

Question 76: What is a 'subscribing witness' in Washington notary law?

A person who verifies the notary's seal
A person who signs a document as a witness on behalf of an absent signer (Correct answer)
A person who takes an oath before the notary
A person who files the document with the county

Correct answer: A person who signs a document as a witness on behalf of an absent signer

A subscribing witness signs a document to attest that they witnessed the principal signer execute the document.

Question 77: If a Washington notary public's journal is lost or stolen, what is the correct course of action?

Notify the Secretary of State. (Correct answer)
Publish a notice in the local newspaper.
Immediately stop performing notarial acts.
Notify the local police department.

Correct answer: Notify the Secretary of State.

If a Washington notary public's journal is lost or stolen, the immediate and correct course of action is to notify the Washington Secretary of State's office. This is a legal requirement to report the loss of an official record and helps prevent potential misuse of the journal. Prompt notification is crucial for compliance and security.

Question 78: Which Washington Revised Code (RCW) chapter primarily governs notarial acts, including electronic and remote online notarizations?

RCW 19.360
RCW 40.16
RCW 42.44
RCW 42.45 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: RCW 42.45

RCW 42.45 is the primary statute governing notarial acts in Washington State, including provisions for electronic and remote online notarization.

Question 79: A signer presents a Washington State ID card (non-driver) to a notary. Is this acceptable?

Only if accompanied by a second ID
No, only driver's licenses are acceptable
Yes, a state-issued ID card is satisfactory evidence of identity (Correct answer)
Only for documents not requiring recording

Correct answer: Yes, a state-issued ID card is satisfactory evidence of identity

A state-issued ID card is a government-issued photo ID and constitutes satisfactory evidence of identity for Washington notarizations.

Question 80: If a Washington notary performs an electronic notarization, what additional information must be recorded in the journal?

The platform used for the electronic notarization.
The digital certificate used by the notary.
The IP address of the signer.
The method of identity verification used for the signer. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The method of identity verification used for the signer.

Question 81: Must a Washington notary verify the signer's identity when performing a jurat?

No, jurats only require the oath
Yes, the notary must verify identity for all notarial acts including jurats (Correct answer)
Only for government documents
Only if the document requires it

Correct answer: Yes, the notary must verify identity for all notarial acts including jurats

Identity verification is required for all notarial acts in Washington, including jurats, to ensure the person taking the oath is who they claim to be.

Question 82: When performing an acknowledgment, a Washington notary discovers the signer cannot speak English. What should the notary do?

Refuse to notarize
Use a qualified interpreter and confirm the signer understands and acts voluntarily (Correct answer)
Call the Secretary of State for guidance
Proceed without communication

Correct answer: Use a qualified interpreter and confirm the signer understands and acts voluntarily

A notary may use a qualified interpreter to communicate with the signer and confirm voluntary, knowing consent before proceeding.

Question 83: Can a Washington notary complete an acknowledgment in a foreign language if they do not understand that language?

Yes, as long as the signer understands it (Correct answer)
No, the notary must understand the language of the document
No, but only for legal documents
Yes, if an interpreter is present

Correct answer: Yes, as long as the signer understands it

A notary is not required to understand the document's language; they are only certifying the identity and voluntary act of the signer, not the content.

Question 84: In Washington, can a notary administer an oath for a deposition?

Yes, Washington notaries are authorized to administer oaths for depositions (Correct answer)
No, only court reporters may administer oaths for depositions
Only for federal court depositions
Only if a licensed attorney is present

Correct answer: Yes, Washington notaries are authorized to administer oaths for depositions

Washington notaries have authority to administer oaths and affirmations, which includes oaths for depositions and other legal proceedings.

Question 85: Which of the following pieces of information must a Washington notary public record in their journal for every notarial act?

The fee charged for the notarial act. (Correct answer)
The date and time of the notarization. (Correct answer)
The type of document being notarized. (Correct answer)
The address of the signer.

Correct answer: The fee charged for the notarial act.

Question 86: When must a newly appointed Washington notary take their oath of office?

At the next available county courthouse date
Within 30 days of commission issuance
Within one year of appointment
Before performing any notarial act, within the required period (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Before performing any notarial act, within the required period

A newly appointed Washington notary must take and file the oath of office within the required timeframe before performing any notarial acts.

Question 87: Which certificate wording is typically associated with a Washington notary acknowledgment?

Certified and sealed by
Affirmed and witnessed by
Acknowledged before me (Correct answer)
Subscribed and sworn before me

Correct answer: Acknowledged before me

Washington acknowledgment certificates use language such as 'acknowledged before me' to indicate the signer confirmed the signature.

Question 88: What happens to a Washington notary commission when the notary moves out of state permanently?

The notary has 90 days to return before termination
The commission is automatically terminated (Correct answer)
The commission continues until it expires
The notary may keep the commission if they retain a WA P.O. box

Correct answer: The commission is automatically terminated

If a Washington notary moves out of state and no longer has a principal place of employment in Washington, the commission is automatically terminated.

Question 89: What does it mean when a signer 'personally appeared' before a Washington notary?

The signer mailed the document to the notary
The signer was physically (or remotely via approved RON) present during the notarial act (Correct answer)
The signer's representative appeared on their behalf
The signer signed in front of two witnesses

Correct answer: The signer was physically (or remotely via approved RON) present during the notarial act

Personal appearance means the signer was physically present or appeared through approved remote online notarization technology.

Question 90: What is a potential penalty for a Washington notary public who is found to have notarized a document with a fraudulent signature?

A fine up to $1,000.
Mandatory community service.
A warning from the Secretary of State.
Suspension or revocation of their notary commission. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Suspension or revocation of their notary commission.

Notarizing a document with a fraudulent signature is a serious offense for a Washington notary public, as it undermines the integrity of the notarial act. Such misconduct can lead to severe penalties, including the suspension or permanent revocation of their notary commission by the Secretary of State. This consequence ensures accountability and protects the public from fraudulent activities.

Question 91: Can a Washington notary charge a fee for certifying a copy of a public record?

No, copies of public records must be certified free of charge
Yes, the standard per-act fee applies (Correct answer)
Only for records older than 10 years
Only if the record is from out of state

Correct answer: Yes, the standard per-act fee applies

Copy certification is a notarial act in Washington and may be charged at the standard maximum fee per act.

Question 92: Which of the following notarial acts can a Washington notary perform via remote online notarization?

Witnessing the execution of a will as required by probate statute
Taking an acknowledgment on a real estate document (Correct answer)
Performing an in-court oath administration
Certifying a copy of a birth certificate issued by the state vital records office

Correct answer: Taking an acknowledgment on a real estate document

Taking an acknowledgment is a standard notarial act that can be performed via remote online notarization under Washington law.

Question 93: Which of the following IDs would a Washington notary NOT accept as satisfactory evidence of identity?

A recent utility bill with the signer's name and address (Correct answer)
A current U.S. military ID
A current Washington State driver's license
A current U.S. passport

Correct answer: A recent utility bill with the signer's name and address

A utility bill is not a government-issued photo ID and does not meet the standard for satisfactory identification in Washington.

Question 94: Can a signer affirm instead of swear an oath during a Washington jurat?

Only for religious documents
No, an oath is always required
Only with written permission from the Secretary of State
Yes, an affirmation is legally equivalent to an oath (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Yes, an affirmation is legally equivalent to an oath

Washington law allows affirmations as a legally equivalent alternative to oaths for those who object to swearing on religious or personal grounds.

Question 95: A Washington notary performs three separate notarial acts on one document signing appointment. How should fees be calculated?

Double the maximum for multiple acts on one document
A flat rate regardless of the number of acts
One fee per notarial act performed (Correct answer)
One fee for the entire appointment

Correct answer: One fee per notarial act performed

Washington notary fees are charged per individual notarial act, so three separate acts may be charged separately at up to the maximum per act.

Question 96: During a remote online notarization (RON) in Washington State, where must the notary be physically located?

Anywhere in the United States
In the same room as the signer
At a Secretary of State-approved notarization center
Within the state of Washington (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Within the state of Washington

Washington law requires that the notary be physically present within Washington State during any remote online notarization, regardless of where the signer is located.

Question 97: A Washington notary performs a remote online notarization for a signer located in another state. Under Washington law, this act is:

Requires pre-approval from both states' Secretaries of State
Only valid if the other state has also enacted RON legislation
Valid if it complies with Washington's remote online notarization requirements (Correct answer)
Invalid because interstate notarizations are prohibited by federal law

Correct answer: Valid if it complies with Washington's remote online notarization requirements

A Washington-commissioned notary may conduct RON for signers in other states, provided the act complies with Washington's RON statutes and the notary is physically in Washington.

Question 98: Which identity verification methods are required for remote online notarization (RON) in Washington State?

A sworn statement from a credible witness
Government-issued photo ID presented physically in person
Personal knowledge of the signer only
Credential analysis and knowledge-based authentication (KBA) (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Credential analysis and knowledge-based authentication (KBA)

Washington RON requires both credential analysis (technology-based ID authentication) and knowledge-based authentication (KBA) to verify a signer's identity.

Question 99: Can a Washington notary acknowledge their own signature on a document?

Yes, if no other notary is available
Yes, if witnessed by two people
No, a notary cannot notarize their own signature (Correct answer)
Yes, for personal documents only

Correct answer: No, a notary cannot notarize their own signature

Washington law prohibits a notary from performing a notarial act when they are a party to or have a financial interest in the document.

Question 100: What should a Washington notary do if they suspect a signer's ID is fraudulent?

Refuse to notarize and do not retain the ID (Correct answer)
Call the police immediately and detain the signer
Ask a second notary to verify the ID
Complete the notarization with a note about the suspicion

Correct answer: Refuse to notarize and do not retain the ID

If a notary suspects an ID is fraudulent, they should refuse to perform the notarial act; they should not detain the person or confiscate the ID.

Washington State Notary Public Exam

The Washington State Notary Public exam tests knowledge of WA notary laws, procedures, and best practices governed by Chapter 42.45 RCW and Chapter 308-30 WAC, covering notarial acts, signer identification, seal regulations, record-keeping, and proper notarization procedures.

100

Questions

120 min

Time Limit

70%

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