AR Notary Acknowledgments and Copy Certifications Flashcards

What is the purpose of a certified copy made by an Arkansas notary?

Answer: To attest that the copy is a true and accurate reproduction of the original document

A notary-certified copy attests only that the copy accurately reproduces the original — it does not validate the content's legal accuracy.

What must an Arkansas notary do before certifying a copy of a document?

Answer: Compare the copy to the original to confirm it is a true and complete reproduction

The notary must personally compare the copy to the original document to verify the copy is accurate before certifying it.

May an Arkansas notary certify a copy of a government-issued driver's license or passport?

Answer: No, government-issued identification documents may not be copy-certified by a notary

Government-issued identification documents are public records and cannot be copy-certified by an Arkansas notary.

Which certificate wording is appropriate for an Arkansas notary certifying a copy of a private document?

Answer: I certify that this is a true and correct copy of a document in the possession of [name]

Copy certification wording attests that the copy accurately matches the original document in the signer's possession.

What is the primary distinction between an acknowledgment and a jurat in Arkansas?

Answer: An acknowledgment certifies voluntary signing while a jurat certifies the signer swore to the document's truthfulness

An acknowledgment certifies the signer voluntarily executed the document; a jurat certifies the signer swore under oath to the document's truthfulness.

Who may request a certified copy of a private document from an Arkansas notary?

Answer: Any person who presents the original document to the notary

Any person who possesses and presents the original document to the notary may request a certified copy in Arkansas.