MD Notary Signature Witnessing and Special Acts Flashcards
6 cards from real MD NOTARY practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 MD Notary Signature Witnessing and Special Acts flashcards as text
Which notarial act involves a Maryland notary witnessing a signer place their signature on a document?
Answer: Witnessing or attesting a signature
Signature witnessing or attestation is a distinct notarial act in which the notary observes the signer actually sign the document.
What must a Maryland notary verify before witnessing a signature?
Answer: The identity of the signer using satisfactory evidence
Before witnessing any signature, the notary must confirm the signer's identity through acceptable means.
A Maryland notary is asked to administer an oath of office to a newly elected local official. Is this within a Maryland notary's authority?
Answer: Yes, administering oaths is one of the notarial acts authorized in Maryland
Maryland notaries are authorized to administer oaths and affirmations, which includes oaths of office for public officials.
Which of the following describes the 'copy certification by document custodian' process in Maryland?
Answer: A notary witnesses a person swear that a copy of a document they hold is a true and complete copy
In copy certification by document custodian, the notary notarizes the custodian's sworn statement that their copy is accurate, rather than the notary comparing the documents.
When may a Maryland notary certify a copy of a vital record such as a birth certificate?
Answer: A Maryland notary may NOT certify copies of vital records; these must come from the official custodian
Vital records are official records whose certified copies must come from the designated government custodian; notaries cannot certify them.
A Maryland notary is asked to notarize a power of attorney for someone who is in a hospital bed and appears confused. What should the notary do?
Answer: Decline to notarize if there are reasonable grounds to believe the signer lacks capacity or is under duress
A notary must be satisfied that the signer is mentally competent and acting voluntarily; signs of confusion are grounds to decline.