PA Notary Oaths & Affirmations

Question 1

What distinguishes an oath from an affirmation under Pennsylvania notary law?

Accepted Answer

An oath invokes a divine being or sacred reference; an affirmation is a solemn pledge without religious reference

Answer

An oath requires the signer to appear in person; an affirmation does not

Answer

An oath is only used for real estate documents; an affirmation is used for court documents

Answer

An oath must be written; an affirmation may be verbal only

Question 2

Under Pennsylvania law, when must a notary public offer an affirmation instead of an oath?

Accepted Answer

When the signer objects to taking an oath on religious or conscientious grounds

Answer

When the document is a property deed

Answer

When the signer is under the age of 18

Answer

When the notary is also a justice of the peace

Question 3

What notarial certificate is attached to a document to show that the signer swore or affirmed the truth of its contents before a notary?

Accepted Answer

Jurat

Answer

Acknowledgment certificate

Answer

Apostille

Answer

Venue clause

Question 4

What is an 'affiant' in the context of Pennsylvania notarial practice?

Accepted Answer

A person who swears or affirms the truth of an affidavit before a notary

Answer

A notary who administers oaths

Answer

A witness who signs a document without taking an oath

Answer

A court officer who certifies depositions

Question 5

When administering an oath, what action MUST a Pennsylvania notary take beyond simply having the signer sign the document?

Accepted Answer

Verbally administer the oath with appropriate ceremony

Answer

Apply the notary seal before the oath is spoken

Answer

Record the oath text in the county courthouse

Answer

File the completed affidavit with the Secretary of State

Question 6

Can a Pennsylvania notary public legally administer an oath to themselves?

Accepted Answer

No, a notary cannot administer an oath to themselves

Answer

Yes, if no other notary is available in the area

Answer

Yes, as long as they record it in their journal

Answer

Yes, but only for real estate transactions

Question 7

Under Pennsylvania law, what legal consequence applies to a person who makes a false statement under oath or affirmation administered by a notary?

Accepted Answer

The person may be subject to perjury charges

Answer

A civil fine payable directly to the notary

Answer

The notarial act is automatically voided with no further consequence

Answer

The notary's commission is immediately revoked