IA Notary - Iowa Notary Notary Commission and Eligibility Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An individual applying for a Notary Public commission in Iowa must meet which of the following minimum requirements?
- Be at least 21 years old and a resident of Iowa.
- Be at least 18 years old and a U.S. citizen.
- Be at least 18 years old and be a resident of or have a place of employment in Iowa. (Correct answer)
- Be a high school graduate and a resident of Iowa for at least one year.
Correct answer: Be at least 18 years old and be a resident of or have a place of employment in Iowa.
According to Iowa law, an applicant for a notary public commission must be at least 18 years of age. They must also be a resident of Iowa or have a place of employment or practice in the state. U.S. citizenship is not required, but they must be a citizen or a permanent legal resident.
Question 2: A person lives in a state bordering Iowa but works at a company located in Des Moines, Iowa. If they are granted an Iowa notary commission, what will be the term of their commission?
- Three years, the standard term for all Iowa notaries.
- The commission is not valid as they are not an Iowa resident.
- One year. (Correct answer)
- Five years.
Correct answer: One year.
For residents of a state bordering Iowa whose place of work or business is in Iowa, the notary commission term is one year. The standard three-year term applies only to Iowa residents.
Question 3: Which of the following would disqualify an individual from receiving a notary commission in Iowa?
- A misdemeanor conviction for a traffic violation from ten years ago.
- A finding of liability in a civil lawsuit for breach of contract.
- A recent felony conviction involving fraud or dishonesty. (Correct answer)
- Being a permanent legal resident of the U.S. but not a full citizen.
Correct answer: A recent felony conviction involving fraud or dishonesty.
Iowa Code section 9B.23 provides the grounds for disqualification, which includes any act or omission demonstrating the individual lacks the honesty, integrity, competence, or reliability to act as a notary. A felony conviction, particularly one involving fraud or dishonesty, would be a basis for denial.
Question 4: An applicant is preparing to submit their application for an Iowa notary commission. In addition to meeting the eligibility requirements, which of the following must they submit to the Secretary of State?
- A $100 application fee and a letter of recommendation.
- Proof of a $10,000 surety bond.
- A completed application form, an executed oath of office, and a $30 fee. (Correct answer)
- A university diploma and a certificate of good standing from their employer.
Correct answer: A completed application form, an executed oath of office, and a $30 fee.
To be commissioned, an applicant must submit a completed application form, execute an oath of office, and pay the required $30 application fee to the Secretary of State.
Question 5: What is the standard term of a notary public commission for a resident of Iowa?
- One year
- Five years
- Four years
- Three years (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Three years
The term of office for a notary public who is an Iowa resident is three years.
Question 6: A 19-year-old college student who is a permanent legal resident of the United States lives and works part-time in Iowa. They can read and write English fluently and have no criminal record. Are they eligible to become a notary public in Iowa?
- No, because they must be at least 21 years old.
- No, because they are a student and not a full-time employee.
- Yes, they appear to meet all the primary eligibility requirements. (Correct answer)
- No, because they must be a full U.S. citizen.
Correct answer: Yes, they appear to meet all the primary eligibility requirements.
The applicant meets the key requirements: they are at least 18, are a permanent legal resident, live or work in Iowa, and can read and write English. There is no requirement for full-time employment or U.S. citizenship (permanent legal residency is sufficient).
IA Notary - Iowa Notary Notary Commission and Eligibility Questions and Answers
An individual applying for a Notary Public commission in Iowa must meet which of the following minimum requirements?