PA Notary Oaths & Affirmations 3

Question 1

When a Pennsylvania notary administers an oath, must the signer be physically present before the notary at the time the oath is given?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the signer must personally appear before the notary at the time the oath is administered

Answer

No, the signer may appear via telephone if the notary can clearly hear them

Answer

No, if the signer previously appeared before the notary and signed the document

Answer

Yes, but only when the oath is for a document to be filed in a state court

Question 2

What traditional physical gesture is customarily associated with taking an oath before a Pennsylvania notary?

Accepted Answer

Raising the right hand

Answer

Placing both hands flat on the document being sworn

Answer

Signing in the presence of two credible witnesses

Answer

Placing the left hand on a religious text

Question 3

An affirmation has the same legal force and effect as an oath under Pennsylvania law. What is the PRIMARY practical difference between them?

Accepted Answer

An affirmation omits any reference to a divine being or sacred obligation

Answer

An affirmation does not require personal appearance before a notary

Answer

An affirmation is only valid for documents filed in federal court

Answer

An affirmation requires two witnesses while an oath requires none

Question 4

Which of the following best describes wording a Pennsylvania notary might use when administering an oath?

Accepted Answer

'Do you solemnly swear that the contents of this document are true and correct to the best of your knowledge, so help you God?'

Answer

'Do you acknowledge that this is your free act and deed?'

Answer

'Do you certify that you are the person named in this document?'

Answer

'Do you agree to be bound by the terms set forth in this agreement?'

Question 5

A PA notary is asked to notarize an affidavit but the signer has already signed the document at home before appearing. What should the notary do?

Accepted Answer

Complete the jurat and administer the oath about the content's truthfulness, as the key requirement is the oath in the notary's presence

Answer

Refuse to notarize, as the signature must always be made in the notary's presence for a jurat

Answer

Ask the signer to cross out and re-sign in front of the notary, then administer the oath

Answer

Accept the pre-signed document and substitute an acknowledgment certificate instead

Question 6

What is the 'venue' on a jurat or other notarial certificate, and why is it required in Pennsylvania?

Accepted Answer

The venue is the county and state where the notarial act was performed, establishing the notary's jurisdictional authority

Answer

The venue is the date the document was signed, required to establish the signing timeline

Answer

The venue is the location of the property described in the document

Answer

The venue is the name of the court where the document will ultimately be filed

Question 7

Under Pennsylvania notary law, what is the significance of the phrase 'subscribed and sworn before me' on a jurat certificate?

Accepted Answer

It confirms that the signer both signed (subscribed) the document and took an oath or affirmation before the notary

Answer

It means the notary personally read the document and verified the accuracy of its contents

Answer

It indicates the document was reviewed and approved by the Pennsylvania Secretary of State

Answer

It means the notary witnessed two parties execute a mutual agreement