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Notary Public Exam — Core Principles

Special situations: practice questions

Our Notary Public bank has 14 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

What is a proof of execution by a subscribing witness?

  1. A copy certification
  2. A notarial act where a witness who saw the signer sign appears before the notary to prove the signature, where allowed
  3. A protest
  4. An oath for a signer who appears
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B. A notarial act where a witness who saw the signer sign appears before the notary to prove the signature, where allowed — Some states restrict it for real property documents.

Question 2

How can a person who cannot sign their name sign a document?

  1. By making a mark (such as an X) witnessed as state law requires
  2. A friend or family member may sign the person's name for them, without witnesses
  3. The notary guides their hand to sign
  4. The notary signs for them
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A. By making a mark (such as an X) witnessed as state law requires — Signature by mark usually needs witnesses.

Question 3

What is a notary bond?

  1. A guarantee that funds are available to compensate the public for losses from the notary's misconduct, up to the bond amount
  2. The notary's salary
  3. Insurance that protects the notary
  4. A tax
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A. A guarantee that funds are available to compensate the public for losses from the notary's misconduct, up to the bond amount — Errors and omissions insurance protects the notary separately.

Question 4

How long is a notary commission typically valid?

  1. Until the notary changes jobs
  2. For life, unless the notary moves to another state
  3. Ten years in every state
  4. A set term defined by state law, often four years
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D. A set term defined by state law, often four years — Terms vary from about 2 to 10 years by state.

Question 5

What is the main reason to complete the certificate immediately after the signer signs?

  1. To make sure the certificate is accurate and complete before the signer leaves
  2. To save ink
  3. To finish quickly
  4. It doesn't matter
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A. To make sure the certificate is accurate and complete before the signer leaves — Never pre-sign or pre-seal certificates.

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