WV Notary Special Circumstances in Notarization 3

Question 1

A deaf signer who communicates in writing appears before a West Virginia notary. The notary can exchange written notes with the signer. May the notarization proceed?

Accepted Answer

Yes, as long as the notary and signer can communicate directly, including in writing

Answer

Direct communication between notary and signer may occur in writing, so hearing impairment alone does not prevent notarization.

Question 2

A stranger with no acceptable ID brings a longtime friend of the notary to vouch for his identity. To use this credible witness, the witness must:

Accepted Answer

Be personally known to the notary or properly identified, know the signer, and verify the signer's identity under oath

Answer

A credible witness must be identifiable to the notary, personally know the signer, and attest to the signer's identity, typically under oath or affirmation.

Question 3

A minor who is 17 years old needs a school permission affidavit notarized. How should the West Virginia notary handle it?

Accepted Answer

Proceed if the minor can be identified, understands the document, and signs willingly

Answer

There is no age prohibition on notarization; the notary needs satisfactory identification and evidence the minor understands and acts willingly.

Question 4

An attorney-in-fact appears to sign a deed on behalf of his mother under a power of attorney. Whose identity must the notary verify and whose signature is notarized?

Accepted Answer

The attorney-in-fact's identity, because he is the person signing and appearing

Answer

The notary identifies and notarizes for the person physically appearing and signing — the attorney-in-fact — in his representative capacity.

Question 5

A caller asks a West Virginia notary to certify that a photocopy of a birth certificate is a true copy. The notary should:

Accepted Answer

Decline, because vital records copies must be certified by the issuing agency

Answer

Publicly recorded vital records like birth certificates cannot be copy-certified by a notary; certified copies must come from the record custodian.

(WV Notary) West Virginia Notary Exam Practice Test

(WV Notary) West Virginia Notary Exam Practice Test

WV Notary Special Circumstances in Notarization 3