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Notary Public Exam — Core Principles

Ethics and prohibited acts: practice questions

Our Notary Public bank has 15 questions on this topic. Here are 5 of them with answers; the full mock exam draws from every topic, like the real one.

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Question 1

May a notary refuse service because of a signer's race, religion or nationality?

  1. Yes, if they want
  2. No, that is discrimination
  3. Yes, if they are not U.S. citizens
  4. Yes, for non-citizens
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B. No, that is discrimination — Notaries must serve the public without discrimination.

Question 2

Who is responsible for misconduct in a notarization?

  1. Only the signer
  2. The notary, who may face commission suspension, fines and civil or criminal liability
  3. Only the employer
  4. No one
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B. The notary, who may face commission suspension, fines and civil or criminal liability — Notaries may be sued for damages.

Question 3

Can a notary charge more than the maximum fee set by state law?

  1. No
  2. Yes, at night
  3. Yes, if the signer agrees
  4. Yes, for travel
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A. No — Travel fees may be allowed separately in some states if agreed in advance.

Question 4

Can a notary perform marriages because they are notaries?

  1. Only in the few states that authorize it (such as Florida, Maine and South Carolina)
  2. No, in every state
  3. Only in California
  4. Yes, in every state
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A. Only in the few states that authorize it (such as Florida, Maine and South Carolina) — Most states don't give notaries this power.

Question 5

May a notary keep copies of the documents they notarize?

  1. Yes, but only the first page
  2. Yes, notaries should keep full copies of everything they notarize as part of their records
  3. Yes, to share with employers
  4. Generally no, unless state law requires or the signer agrees, because of privacy
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D. Generally no, unless state law requires or the signer agrees, because of privacy — Journals record descriptions, not full copies.

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