Notary Public Exam — Questions and Answers

Question 1: What is the primary purpose of a notary bond?

To pay for the notary's official seal
To protect the public from financial harm due to notary errors or misconduct (Correct answer)
To pay the notary's salary
To certify the notary's training

Correct answer: To protect the public from financial harm due to notary errors or misconduct

A surety bond protects members of the public who suffer financial harm as a result of a notary's improper acts.

Question 2: What immediate consequence occurs when a notary's commission is revoked?

Their employer assumes notarial authority temporarily
They immediately lose all authority to perform notarial acts (Correct answer)
They may continue for a 30-day grace period to finish pending work
They may notarize only for previously established clients

Correct answer: They immediately lose all authority to perform notarial acts

Revocation of a commission terminates the notary's authority immediately—any notarial act performed after revocation is unauthorized and invalid.

Question 3: What is the typical maximum fee per notarial act in many US states?

$100 per act
$5 to $15 per act (Correct answer)
$50 per act
$0.50 per act

Correct answer: $5 to $15 per act

Most states set maximum notary fees in the range of $5 to $15 per notarial act, though some states set higher or lower limits.

Question 4: What does it mean when a notary is described as a 'notary at large' in some states?

A notary with expanded powers beyond standard acts
A notary with statewide jurisdiction not limited to a specific county (Correct answer)
A notary authorized to travel internationally
A federal-level notary appointment

Correct answer: A notary with statewide jurisdiction not limited to a specific county

In states that use the term, a notary 'at large' has jurisdiction throughout the entire state rather than being restricted to a single county.

Question 5: How long is a typical notary commission term in most US states?

4 years (Correct answer)
2 years
1 year
10 years

Correct answer: 4 years

Most states issue notary commissions for four years, though some states use shorter or longer terms.

Question 6: What should a notary's journal entry note when they use a credible witness to identify a signer?

The credible witness's name, ID information, and their oath confirming the signer's identity (Correct answer)
Only the signer's name
Nothing additional is needed
Just that a witness was present

Correct answer: The credible witness's name, ID information, and their oath confirming the signer's identity

When a credible witness is used, the journal must fully document the witness's identity and the oath they took to create a complete record of how the signer was identified.

Question 7: What is a 'notarial act'?

A court order requiring a signature
An official act performed by a commissioned notary (Correct answer)
A type of power of attorney
Any signed legal document

Correct answer: An official act performed by a commissioned notary

A notarial act is any official duty, such as taking an acknowledgment or administering an oath, that a commissioned notary is authorized to perform.

Question 8: What should a notary do if a signer refuses to sign the notary journal?

Proceed with the notarization—the journal signature is optional
Make a note and proceed anyway
Refuse to perform the notarial act in states that require a journal signature (Correct answer)
Ask a witness to sign on the signer's behalf

Correct answer: Refuse to perform the notarial act in states that require a journal signature

In states where a journal signature is required, a signer's refusal to sign the journal is a valid and necessary reason for the notary to decline to proceed.

Question 9: What should a notary do if they are asked to notarize a document in which they have a financial interest?

Refuse to notarize to avoid a conflict of interest (Correct answer)
Notarize it with a witness present
Notarize it if the fee is disclosed
Notarize it and disclose the interest in the journal

Correct answer: Refuse to notarize to avoid a conflict of interest

A notary must refuse to notarize any document in which they have a personal or financial interest because it compromises their required impartiality.

Question 10: Can a notary use a 'credible witness' to identify a signer who lacks proper ID?

Only if two attorneys are also present
Yes, many states permit a credible witness to vouch for a signer's identity (Correct answer)
Only for real estate documents
No, never—an ID is always required

Correct answer: Yes, many states permit a credible witness to vouch for a signer's identity

Most states allow a credible witness who personally knows the signer and has no interest in the transaction to vouch for the signer's identity.

Question 11: What is a notary journal?

A list of the notary's clients and their contact information
An official chronological record of all notarial acts performed (Correct answer)
A schedule of the notary's fee rates
A personal diary of the notary's daily activities

Correct answer: An official chronological record of all notarial acts performed

A notary journal is an official sequential log documenting each notarial act performed, serving as evidence of proper procedure.

Question 12: Is a notary employer entitled to take possession of a notary employee's official journal?

Yes, the journal belongs to whoever employs the notary
No, the journal is the personal property of the notary, not the employer (Correct answer)
Only upon termination of employment
Only if the employer paid for the journal

Correct answer: No, the journal is the personal property of the notary, not the employer

The notary journal is the personal property of the commissioned notary and cannot be taken by an employer, even if the employer purchased the journal book.

Question 13: For how long should a notary retain their journal after their commission expires?

For one year after expiration
Indefinitely forever
They may destroy it immediately upon commission expiration
For the period specified by state law, often several years (Correct answer)

Correct answer: For the period specified by state law, often several years

State laws vary, but most require notaries to keep their journal for a set number of years after expiration, typically ranging from five to ten years.

Question 14: Who is responsible for the safekeeping of a notary's official seal?

The notary's employer
The commissioning state
The county clerk
The notary personally (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The notary personally

The notary is personally responsible for maintaining and securing their official seal to prevent unauthorized use.

Question 15: Which of the following is NOT a function of a notary public?

Administering oaths
Taking acknowledgments
Providing legal advice (Correct answer)
Certifying copies

Correct answer: Providing legal advice

Providing legal advice is the unauthorized practice of law and is strictly prohibited for notaries who are not licensed attorneys.

Question 16: Which of the following items is NOT typically recorded in a notary journal?

Full text content of the document notarized (Correct answer)
Fee charged for the act
Signer's address
Type of notarial act performed

Correct answer: Full text content of the document notarized

The journal records identifying and procedural information about the act, but never reproduces the full content of the confidential document being notarized.

Question 17: What must a notary do with their seal when their commission expires?

Keep it as a personal memento of their service
Store it securely for potential future reuse if reappointed
Destroy it or surrender it as required by state law (Correct answer)
Transfer it to the next notary appointed in the office

Correct answer: Destroy it or surrender it as required by state law

Upon commission expiration, notaries must destroy or surrender their seal to prevent its unauthorized use, as required by most state laws.

Question 18: What language typically appears on a jurat certificate?

'I hereby certify that…'
'Acknowledged before me…'
'Sworn to (or affirmed) and subscribed before me…' (Correct answer)
'Witnessed by…'

Correct answer: 'Sworn to (or affirmed) and subscribed before me…'

The phrase 'Sworn to (or affirmed) and subscribed before me' is the standard wording indicating the signer took an oath and signed before the notary.

Question 19: When should a notary make a journal entry for a notarial act?

After the document has been filed with the county
Weekly in a batch
At the end of the month
At the time each notarial act is performed (Correct answer)

Correct answer: At the time each notarial act is performed

Journal entries must be made contemporaneously—at the time of the act—to ensure accuracy and prevent after-the-fact alterations.

Question 20: What is an 'affirmation' as opposed to an 'oath'?

A type of legal contract
A solemn declaration for those who object to swearing an oath on religious or other grounds (Correct answer)
A written sworn statement
A stronger and more legally binding promise

Correct answer: A solemn declaration for those who object to swearing an oath on religious or other grounds

An affirmation is a legally equivalent alternative to an oath, used by individuals who have religious or conscientious objections to swearing.

Question 21: What is the term for the person whose signature a notary is authenticating?

The principal or signer (Correct answer)
The witness
The beneficiary
The notary

Correct answer: The principal or signer

The person appearing before the notary to have their signature authenticated is called the principal or signer.

Question 22: What does it mean for a notarial act to be performed 'within the notary's jurisdiction'?

The physical location where the act is performed must be within the notary's commissioning state (Correct answer)
The signer must reside in the same county as the notary
The document must be filed locally
The document must concern local matters only

Correct answer: The physical location where the act is performed must be within the notary's commissioning state

Jurisdiction is determined by where the notary physically is when performing the act—they must be standing within their commissioning state's borders.

Question 23: Can a notary notarize a document for an immediate family member?

Yes, as long as the notary has no financial or beneficial interest in the document (Correct answer)
Never under any circumstances
Yes, always—family members are automatically trusted
Only if a second notary is also present

Correct answer: Yes, as long as the notary has no financial or beneficial interest in the document

Most states permit notarizing for family members provided the notary has no financial stake in the transaction, though many notaries choose to decline to avoid conflict.

Question 24: Which document type most commonly requires a notarized acknowledgment?

Real estate deeds and mortgage documents (Correct answer)
Medical prescriptions
Retail sales receipts
Federal tax returns

Correct answer: Real estate deeds and mortgage documents

Real estate deeds and mortgage documents typically require a notarized acknowledgment before they can be recorded in public records.

Question 25: Can a notary commissioned in California legally notarize a document in Nevada?

Yes, any US notary can notarize anywhere in the country
Yes, western states have reciprocal agreements
Only if the document will be used in California
No, a California notary may only perform notarial acts within California (Correct answer)

Correct answer: No, a California notary may only perform notarial acts within California

A California notary's jurisdiction is strictly limited to California; performing a notarial act in Nevada would be unauthorized and invalid.

Question 26: Can a notary charge a 'travel fee' in addition to the per-act notarial fee?

Only if the distance exceeds 50 miles
No, only the per-act fee is ever permitted
Only if the signer is hospitalized
Yes, many states allow additional reasonable travel fees when traveling to the signer (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Yes, many states allow additional reasonable travel fees when traveling to the signer

Many states expressly allow notaries to charge a separate travel fee when they travel to a signer's location, in addition to the standard per-act fee.

Question 27: What can happen to a notary who charges more than the state-mandated maximum fee?

They receive a higher-tier commission
They may face disciplinary action, fines, or commission revocation (Correct answer)
They receive a bonus from the state for superior service
There are no consequences for charging extra

Correct answer: They may face disciplinary action, fines, or commission revocation

Overcharging is a violation of state notary law and can result in formal complaints, fines, and loss of the notary commission.

Question 28: What does it mean for a notary to maintain 'impartiality'?

The notary must not have a personal or financial interest in the documents they notarize (Correct answer)
The notary must always charge the maximum allowable fee
The notary must only serve clients they personally know
The notary must work exclusively for one employer

Correct answer: The notary must not have a personal or financial interest in the documents they notarize

Impartiality requires the notary to be a neutral third party with no stake in the transaction, ensuring their authentication is objective and trustworthy.

Question 29: What should a notary do if the notarial certificate wording is missing from a document?

Notarize using any certificate wording available
Sign the document without any certificate
Ask the signer which notarial act is needed and add the appropriate certificate wording (Correct answer)
Return the document to the signer without acting

Correct answer: Ask the signer which notarial act is needed and add the appropriate certificate wording

When certificate wording is missing, the notary should ask the signer which type of notarial act they need and attach the appropriate certificate.

Question 30: What is 'errors and omissions' (E&O) insurance for notaries?

Protects the notary from personal financial loss due to unintentional mistakes (Correct answer)
Required by all states
Is identical to the notary commission
Replaces the requirement for a notary bond

Correct answer: Protects the notary from personal financial loss due to unintentional mistakes

E&O insurance reimburses the notary for legal costs and damages arising from unintentional errors in the performance of notarial acts.

Question 31: Can a notary choose to waive their fee for a notarization?

No, charging the set fee is mandatory
Only with written permission from the state
Yes, notaries may voluntarily waive or reduce their fee (Correct answer)
Only for non-profit organizations

Correct answer: Yes, notaries may voluntarily waive or reduce their fee

State-mandated fees are maximums, not minimums—a notary may always choose to charge less or nothing at all.

Question 32: What information is typically recorded in a single notary journal entry?

The full content of the document notarized
The notary's personal notes and impressions
Date, type of act, document type, signer's name, ID used, fee charged, and signer's signature (Correct answer)
Only the signer's name and signature

Correct answer: Date, type of act, document type, signer's name, ID used, fee charged, and signer's signature

A complete journal entry includes all key facts about the notarial act to create an accurate and defensible record.

Question 33: What is a 'conflict of interest' for a notary public?

Maintaining a notary journal
Knowing the signer personally from a social context
Having a personal, financial, or beneficial stake in the transaction being notarized (Correct answer)
Notarizing any type of legal document

Correct answer: Having a personal, financial, or beneficial stake in the transaction being notarized

A conflict of interest arises whenever the notary stands to benefit from the transaction, which compromises the impartiality essential to a valid notarization.

Question 34: Which of the following types of documents does NOT typically require a notary seal?

A sworn affidavit filed in court
A durable power of attorney
A personal letter between friends (Correct answer)
A recorded real estate deed

Correct answer: A personal letter between friends

Personal letters carry no legal obligations and are not legal instruments requiring notarization; deeds, affidavits, and powers of attorney regularly require a notarial seal.

Question 35: What is 'personal appearance' as required for most notarizations?

The notary must dress professionally
The notary must appear in court
The signer must be physically present before the notary at the time of notarization (Correct answer)
The document must be delivered in person

Correct answer: The signer must be physically present before the notary at the time of notarization

Personal appearance means the signer must be physically present in front of the notary at the time the notarial act is performed.

Question 36: What should a notary do if their journal is lost or stolen?

Notify the commissioning authority immediately and purchase a new journal (Correct answer)
Report the loss only if a complaint is filed
Create a new journal and continue working without reporting
Do nothing and wait to see if it is returned

Correct answer: Notify the commissioning authority immediately and purchase a new journal

A lost or stolen journal poses a fraud risk; the notary must notify the commissioning authority promptly to protect the public and create an official record of the loss.

Question 37: What technology does remote online notarization (RON) typically use to verify a signer's identity?

Email confirmation with a link
Documents mailed in advance
Phone call verification with a PIN
Identity proofing and knowledge-based authentication (KBA) (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Identity proofing and knowledge-based authentication (KBA)

RON platforms use knowledge-based authentication, credential analysis of the signer's ID, and live video to verify identity remotely.

Question 38: Which seal shape is most commonly required or permitted for a notary's official stamp?

Hexagonal with a state emblem
Square with a border
Triangular or diamond-shaped
Circular or rectangular (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Circular or rectangular

Most states authorize notary seals in either a circular or rectangular shape as these are the standard forms recognized in official documents.

Question 39: Who appoints notaries public in most US states?

The state bar association
The federal government
Local courts
The state government (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The state government

In most states, the governor or secretary of state grants a notary commission through the state government.

Question 40: Can a notary charge a fee to someone requesting access to their journal records?

Only attorneys may be charged a fee
Yes, most states allow notaries to charge a reasonable fee for journal access or copies (Correct answer)
No, journal access must always be free of charge
Only government agencies may be charged a fee

Correct answer: Yes, most states allow notaries to charge a reasonable fee for journal access or copies

Most states permit notaries to charge a reasonable fee for the time and cost involved in providing copies of journal entries to authorized requesters.

Question 41: What is 'remote online notarization' (RON)?

Mailing documents to a notary for signature
Using an automated kiosk to notarize documents
A notarization performed via live two-way video conferencing technology (Correct answer)
Notarizing documents over the telephone

Correct answer: A notarization performed via live two-way video conferencing technology

RON allows a notary and signer to be in different physical locations while the notary performs the act via live audio-video technology with required identity verification.

Question 42: In which situation is it legally permissible for a notary to complete a notarial act without affixing a seal?

When the notary has accidentally left their seal at home
When the signer signs a written waiver of the seal requirement
In states or territories whose statutes do not require a notary seal by law (Correct answer)
When the document is for the signer's personal use and will not be filed officially

Correct answer: In states or territories whose statutes do not require a notary seal by law

Some jurisdictions do not require a notary seal by statute, making it permissible to notarize without one in those specific states or territories; signer waivers and personal use are not valid exceptions.

Question 43: Under what circumstance should a notary refuse to notarize even if the signer has proper identification?

If the notary dislikes the type of document
If the signer appears to be under duress or coercion (Correct answer)
If the document is more than ten pages long
If the signer does not speak English

Correct answer: If the signer appears to be under duress or coercion

A notary must refuse when there are signs that the signer is being pressured or coerced, because a voluntary signature is a fundamental requirement of valid notarization.

Question 44: A notary must REFUSE to affix their seal to a document that contains which of the following?

Blank spaces that could be filled in after notarization (Correct answer)
More than one signer on the signature page
A prior notarization from another state
Handwritten text added by the signer

Correct answer: Blank spaces that could be filled in after notarization

Notaries must never seal documents with blank spaces, as blanks could be fraudulently completed after notarization to change the document's meaning.

Question 45: What does 'satisfactory evidence' of identity mean for a notary?

A written statement from a third party
Any document that has the person's name on it
A verbal statement by the signer confirming their name
Evidence that reasonably identifies the signer, typically a current government-issued photo ID (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Evidence that reasonably identifies the signer, typically a current government-issued photo ID

Satisfactory evidence of identity means the notary has reliable proof, usually a current photo ID, that establishes the signer is who they claim to be.

Notary Public Exam

The Notary Public Exam tests knowledge of notarial laws, procedures, and ethical responsibilities required to commission as a notary public. It covers notarial acts, document types, record keeping, fees, and jurisdiction-specific regulations.

Questions

60 min

Time Limit

70%

To Pass

Checking for saved progress...

Exam Rules

You can skip questions and return to them later
Flag questions for review before submitting
No feedback shown until you submit the entire exam
Unanswered questions count as wrong — answer everything
10 pretest questions are mixed in and don't affect your score
Timer auto-submits when time runs out
Your progress is auto-saved every 30 seconds