NNA Study Guide 2026

If a Notary Public makes a mistake on a document, they must correct it properly to maintain the integrity of the notarial act. Depending on the nature of the error, this may involve drawing a single line through the mistake, initialing it, and then re-notarizing the document if the notarial certificate itself was flawed. This ensures accuracy and compliance with legal standards.

Some documents, particularly certain loan documents, require witnesses in addition to the Notary's signature and seal. A Notary Signing Agent must be aware of these requirements and ensure that a qualified, impartial witness is present at the signing. Proceeding without a required witness would invalidate the document and compromise the integrity of the transaction.

Proper identification is a fundamental requirement for any notarization, especially in loan signings where large financial transactions are involved. If a borrower lacks valid government-issued ID, the Notary Signing Agent cannot proceed with the notarization. The NSA must cancel the signing and instruct the borrower to reschedule once they have the correct identification, upholding strict identity verification standards.

A notary's residential street address is not required on the seal; most states require the name, state, commission expiration date, and sometimes commission number.

Explaining or interpreting fees, loan terms, or tax amounts constitutes the Unauthorized Practice of Law (UPL) and providing financial advice. A Loan Signing Agent can guide a borrower to locate information within the documents but cannot explain the meaning or justification for that information. The borrower must be directed to their loan officer or escrow officer for such explanations.

The notary's seal is an instrument of their personal official commission and cannot be surrendered to or controlled by an employer, regardless of who paid for it.