Notary Public Ethics and Professional Conduct Flashcards

How should a Wyoming notary handle confidential information encountered during a notarization?

Answer: Keep it confidential and not disclose it to unauthorized parties

A notary who encounters confidential information in the course of a notarization must maintain that confidentiality and not disclose it improperly.

May a Wyoming notary advertise their notarial services?

Answer: Yes, but they must not misrepresent their authority or use the title 'notario publico' in Spanish-language ads

Wyoming notaries may advertise but are prohibited from using 'notario publico' in Spanish-language advertising because it implies legal services in many cultures.

If a Wyoming notary is also a real estate agent involved in a transaction, may they notarize documents for that same transaction?

Answer: No, because they have a financial interest in the transaction

A notary with a financial stake in a real estate transaction may not notarize documents for that transaction due to the conflict of interest.

What is the 'duty of care' expected of a Wyoming notary?

Answer: To exercise reasonable diligence in verifying signer identity and performing notarial acts correctly

The duty of care requires a notary to act with reasonable diligence—particularly in verifying signer identity and following proper procedures.

May a Wyoming notary notarize a document that contains blank spaces intended to be filled in later?

Answer: No, all blanks must be completed before notarization

Notarizing a document with incomplete blanks exposes the notary to liability because blanks could be fraudulently filled in afterward.

What should a Wyoming notary do when uncertain about the correct notarial procedure?

Answer: Consult the Wyoming Notary Public Handbook or the Secretary of State's office before proceeding

When uncertain, a notary should consult official resources such as Wyoming's Notary Handbook or contact the Secretary of State rather than guessing.