WY NOTARY Commissioning and Qualifications Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An applicant for a Wyoming Notary Public commission must meet several qualifications. Which of the following is a mandatory requirement for commissioning?
- Be a registered voter in Wyoming.
- Post a $5,000 surety bond with the Secretary of State.
- Be at least 18 years of age. (Correct answer)
- Be a resident of Wyoming for at least one year prior to applying.
Correct answer: Be at least 18 years of age.
Wyoming law requires a notary public applicant to be at least 18 years old. While residency or having a place of employment in the state is required, a one-year prior residency is not. Surety bonds are no longer required, and being a registered voter is not a qualification.
Question 2: A newly commissioned Notary Public in Wyoming receives their Certificate of Commission from the Secretary of State. What is the standard term of a Wyoming Notary Public commission?
- Two years
- Four years
- Ten years
- Six years (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Six years
According to Wyoming statutes, a commission for a Notary Public is issued for a term of six years. This was an increase from the previous four-year term.
Question 3: An individual lives in a town in Montana that borders Wyoming. They work full-time at a company located in Sheridan, Wyoming. Based on Wyoming's qualification rules, are they eligible to become a Wyoming Notary Public?
- No, because they must be a legal resident of Wyoming.
- Yes, because they have a place of employment within Wyoming. (Correct answer)
- No, because notaries cannot work across state lines.
- Yes, but only if they notarize documents exclusively for their employer.
Correct answer: Yes, because they have a place of employment within Wyoming.
Wyoming law allows an individual to qualify for a notary commission if they are a resident of Wyoming OR have a place of employment or practice in the state. Since the individual works in Wyoming, they meet the eligibility criteria.
Question 4: The Wyoming Secretary of State may deny a notary commission application for several reasons. Which of the following is a valid ground for denial?
- A previous bankruptcy filing.
- A conviction for a misdemeanor traffic violation.
- Failing to be a member of a professional organization.
- A felony conviction where civil rights have not been restored. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: A felony conviction where civil rights have not been restored.
Wyoming statutes explicitly state that an applicant can be disqualified for a felony conviction unless their civil rights have been restored. The other options are not listed as statutory grounds for denial of a notary commission.
Question 5: When an applicant submits their Notary Public Commission Application to the Wyoming Secretary of State, what is one of the critical steps they must complete as part of the application form itself?
- Provide three professional references.
- Submit fingerprints for a federal background check.
- Sign an Oath of Office in the presence of an existing notary. (Correct answer)
- File a copy of the application with their local county clerk.
Correct answer: Sign an Oath of Office in the presence of an existing notary.
The Wyoming Notary Public Application form includes an Oath of Office. The applicant must sign this oath before a currently commissioned notary public, who then notarizes the applicant's signature on the form before it is submitted to the Secretary of State.
Question 6: Regarding the commissioning process for both new and renewing notaries in Wyoming, what educational requirement must be met?
- Attending a 6-hour in-person training seminar.
- Passing a state-administered exam. (Correct answer)
- Holding a paralegal certificate.
- There are no education or exam requirements for renewal.
Correct answer: Passing a state-administered exam.
Both new and renewing notary applicants in Wyoming must pass a state-required examination. They can prepare by reviewing the official Notary Education Presentation or by taking a course from an approved vendor.
WY NOTARY Commissioning and Qualifications Questions and Answers
An applicant for a Wyoming Notary Public commission must meet several qualifications.
Which of the following is a mandatory requirement for commissioning?