NJ Notary NJ Notary - Signature Witnessing and Copy Certification 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In New Jersey, a 'signature witnessing' notarial act requires the signer to:
- Swear to the truth of the document's contents
- Sign the document in the presence of the notary (Correct answer)
- Provide two forms of photo identification
- Have a second witness present
Correct answer: Sign the document in the presence of the notary
A signature witnessing requires the signer to personally sign the document in the notary's presence so the notary can witness the actual signing.
Question 2: What is the main difference between a signature witnessing and an acknowledgment in New Jersey?
- A signature witnessing requires an oath; acknowledgment does not
- Signature witnessing requires signing before the notary; acknowledgment allows prior signing (Correct answer)
- Acknowledgment requires two witnesses; signature witnessing requires one
- There is no legal difference between the two acts
Correct answer: Signature witnessing requires signing before the notary; acknowledgment allows prior signing
Signature witnessing requires the signer to sign in the notary's presence, while an acknowledgment permits the document to have been signed previously.
Question 3: For which type of document is a New Jersey copy certification most commonly used?
- Original deeds and mortgages
- Copies of personal documents such as diplomas, transcripts, or passports (Correct answer)
- Certified copies of vital records like birth certificates
- Court orders and judgments
Correct answer: Copies of personal documents such as diplomas, transcripts, or passports
Copy certification is commonly used for personal documents like diplomas and transcripts; vital records must be certified by their issuing agency.
Question 4: In New Jersey, which document may a notary NOT certify as a true copy?
- A college diploma
- A foreign passport
- A birth certificate issued by the state (Correct answer)
- A personal letter
Correct answer: A birth certificate issued by the state
New Jersey notaries cannot certify copies of vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates) because those copies must be obtained from the issuing government agency.
Question 5: To perform a copy certification in New Jersey, the notary must:
- Verify the document's content is accurate
- Compare the copy to the original and certify they are identical (Correct answer)
- Obtain approval from the county clerk
- Require the document owner to sign an affidavit
Correct answer: Compare the copy to the original and certify they are identical
The notary must visually compare the copy against the original document and certify that the copy is a true, accurate, and complete reproduction.
Question 6: Who may request a New Jersey notary to certify a copy of a document?
- Only the document's original author
- Any person who presents the original document (Correct answer)
- Only licensed attorneys
- Only government agencies
Correct answer: Any person who presents the original document
Any person who presents the original document to the notary may request a copy certification.
NJ Notary NJ Notary - Signature Witnessing and Copy Certification 1
In New Jersey, a 'signature witnessing' notarial act requires the signer to: