Notarization requirements

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Questions and Answers

A notary public has known a signer for many years. Can the notary notarize the document based solely on this personal knowledge?

No, satisfactory evidence of the signer’s identity must be provided regardless of personal knowledge. (correct)
No, unless the signer takes an oath in the notary’s presence.
Yes, because the notary has known the signer for a significant period.
Yes, but only if the document is an acknowledgment.

What is the key difference in signer requirements between preparing a jurat versus a certificate of acknowledgment?

For a jurat, the signer must take an oath and sign the document in the notary's presence; for acknowledgment, the document can be signed beforehand. (correct)
For an acknowledgment, a witness must be present.
For a jurat, the notary does not need to verify the identity of the signer.
For an acknowledgment, the signer must provide additional forms of identification.

In which scenario is it acceptable for a document to be signed before the signer appears before the notary public?

When the document requires an acknowledgment certificate. (correct)
When the notary has known the signer for at least 5 years.
When the signer is signing on behalf of a corporation.
When the document requires a jurat.

What must a notary public certify when preparing both a jurat and an acknowledgment?

The identity of the signer. (A) Signup and view all the answers

A person requesting a jurat brings a pre-signed document to a notary. What should the notary do?

Refuse to perform the jurat because the signer must sign in the notary's presence. (A) Signup and view all the answers

A notary public is asked to notarize a document but is unsure if the signer fully understands its contents. Which of the following actions is most appropriate?

Advise the signer to seek legal counsel before proceeding with notarization. (A) Signup and view all the answers

If a signer acknowledges that they executed a document, but not in the notary's presence, which type of notarization is being performed?

An acknowledgment. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What constitutes 'satisfactory evidence' of a signer’s identity, as required for notarization?

Presentation of a valid form of identification. (A) Signup and view all the answers

A notary is presented with an unsigned document and asked to perform a jurat. What must occur?

The signer must sign the document in the notary's presence after taking an oath. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the core duty of a notary public?

To certify the identity of the signer and the fact that a signature was made. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Personal knowledge enough to notarize?

No, personal knowledge alone is not sufficient. Satisfactory evidence of identity is required and must be noted in the journal.

Sign in notary's presence?

For a jurat, yes. For an acknowledgment, no; the signer must acknowledge they executed the document.

Jurat requirements

The person requesting the notarization must appear before you, take an oath, and sign the document in your presence.

Acknowledgment requirements

The signer must personally appear and acknowledge that they executed the document. The document can be signed before notarization.

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Identity verification requirement

For both a jurat and an acknowledgment, the notary public must certify the identity of the signer.

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Study Notes

An acknowledgment cannot be taken or a jurat executed based on personal knowledge alone
Satisfactory evidence of the signer’s identity must be provided and noted in the journal for notarizations