Notary Public Exam Questions and
answer
1) When can a notary public reapply for commission without re-testing? - correct answer-1)
Up until 6 months from expiration date.
2) Up until 1 year after military discharge (except dishonourable)
3) When the renewal is mailed to the notary public reminding that expiration date is in 3
months.
2) Who is appointed to accept process service on behalf of the notary public who is a
non-resident? - correct answer-The Secretary of state.
3) Can a notary public be denied reappointment at the time of renewal, even if in excellent,
good standing? - correct answer-Yes, in any case the appointment is at the complete
discretion of the Secretary of State.
4) What are the general notary public eligibility requirements, although not limited to these? -
correct answer-1) US Citizen.
2) Reside or have a place of business in state.
3) Good moral character.
4) Common school education.
5) No felony convictions. No convictions of weapons, burglar instruments or burglary, stolen
property, unlawful entry, aiding prison escape, possession/distributing drugs, violations of
selective draft act.
6) 18 years old.
5) Does the notary public receive an ID or license? - correct answer-Yes, receives an ID card
within 2 weeks of Secretary of State receipt of passed exam with fee and application.
6) What is the term of the notary public commission? - correct answer-4 years.
7) Who issues the notary public id/license? - correct answer-Secretary of State. The Division
of Licensing Services.
8) How does the notary public renew his license and when? - correct answer-Approximately
3 months prior to the expiration, a renewal application is posted to the notary public, which
must be completed and returned with the $60 fee to the County Clerk.
9) What does a notary public do? - correct answer-1) Administer oaths / affimrations.
2) Take affidavits and depositions.
3) Receive / certify acknowledgements, deeds, mortgages, powers of attorney.
4) Demand / accept or payment of foreign and inland bills of exchange, promissory notes
and obligations in writing protesting the same for non-payment.
, 10) Who commissions or license a notary public? - correct answer-Secretary of State
forwards the commissions, the original oath of office and signature of the newly appointed
notary public to the county clerk.
11) What happens when a notary public moves out of the state and does not at least retain
an office address within the state? - correct answer-By doing so he vacates his office
commission.
12) How many notary public can the Secretary of State appoint? - correct answer-As many
as he/she likes.
13) What are the general regulations and procedures at the test center? - correct answer-1)
Photo ID.
2) Thumb print taken.
3) Arrive at least 15 minutes early.
4) First-come, first-serve
5) Bring two #2 pencils.
6) No study materials allowed
7) 1 hour to take the test, 40 multiple choice questions, 70% passes
14) What are 4 examples of activities involving the practice of law which are prohibited for
the notary public and can result in the removal from the office, possible imprisonment or
both? - correct answer-1) Giving advice on law, drawing papers, or any legal documents
recognized by courts.
2) Asking for or getting legal business to give to a lawyer and getting paid (it's ok to give
business to a lawyer if not being compensated.
3) Notary service on wills
4) Doing anything that infers you can give advice like advertising.
15) When are the only times a notary public can engage indirectly in the practice of law? -
correct answer-Never, unless representing own self.
16) Of the 2 simplest forms of oath, what is required for both? - correct answer-Oath /
affirmation
1) A person who's oath is being taken must be in the presence of authorized office (notary
public) to administer it.
2) It must be an unequivocal and present act by which the affiant consciously takes upon
himself the obligation of oath.
17) What is the alternate simplest form in which an oath may be administered for those who
conscientiously decline taking an oath? - correct answer-Affirmation: Do you solemnly,
sincerely and truly declare and affirm that the statements made by you are true and correct?
"Plan B"
18) Unacceptable to the Secretary of State is "slipshod" administration. What is the simplest
form which an oath may lawfully be administered (given) by the notary public? - correct
answer
1) When can a notary public reapply for commission without re-testing? - correct answer-1)
Up until 6 months from expiration date.
2) Up until 1 year after military discharge (except dishonourable)
3) When the renewal is mailed to the notary public reminding that expiration date is in 3
months.
2) Who is appointed to accept process service on behalf of the notary public who is a
non-resident? - correct answer-The Secretary of state.
3) Can a notary public be denied reappointment at the time of renewal, even if in excellent,
good standing? - correct answer-Yes, in any case the appointment is at the complete
discretion of the Secretary of State.
4) What are the general notary public eligibility requirements, although not limited to these? -
correct answer-1) US Citizen.
2) Reside or have a place of business in state.
3) Good moral character.
4) Common school education.
5) No felony convictions. No convictions of weapons, burglar instruments or burglary, stolen
property, unlawful entry, aiding prison escape, possession/distributing drugs, violations of
selective draft act.
6) 18 years old.
5) Does the notary public receive an ID or license? - correct answer-Yes, receives an ID card
within 2 weeks of Secretary of State receipt of passed exam with fee and application.
6) What is the term of the notary public commission? - correct answer-4 years.
7) Who issues the notary public id/license? - correct answer-Secretary of State. The Division
of Licensing Services.
8) How does the notary public renew his license and when? - correct answer-Approximately
3 months prior to the expiration, a renewal application is posted to the notary public, which
must be completed and returned with the $60 fee to the County Clerk.
9) What does a notary public do? - correct answer-1) Administer oaths / affimrations.
2) Take affidavits and depositions.
3) Receive / certify acknowledgements, deeds, mortgages, powers of attorney.
4) Demand / accept or payment of foreign and inland bills of exchange, promissory notes
and obligations in writing protesting the same for non-payment.
, 10) Who commissions or license a notary public? - correct answer-Secretary of State
forwards the commissions, the original oath of office and signature of the newly appointed
notary public to the county clerk.
11) What happens when a notary public moves out of the state and does not at least retain
an office address within the state? - correct answer-By doing so he vacates his office
commission.
12) How many notary public can the Secretary of State appoint? - correct answer-As many
as he/she likes.
13) What are the general regulations and procedures at the test center? - correct answer-1)
Photo ID.
2) Thumb print taken.
3) Arrive at least 15 minutes early.
4) First-come, first-serve
5) Bring two #2 pencils.
6) No study materials allowed
7) 1 hour to take the test, 40 multiple choice questions, 70% passes
14) What are 4 examples of activities involving the practice of law which are prohibited for
the notary public and can result in the removal from the office, possible imprisonment or
both? - correct answer-1) Giving advice on law, drawing papers, or any legal documents
recognized by courts.
2) Asking for or getting legal business to give to a lawyer and getting paid (it's ok to give
business to a lawyer if not being compensated.
3) Notary service on wills
4) Doing anything that infers you can give advice like advertising.
15) When are the only times a notary public can engage indirectly in the practice of law? -
correct answer-Never, unless representing own self.
16) Of the 2 simplest forms of oath, what is required for both? - correct answer-Oath /
affirmation
1) A person who's oath is being taken must be in the presence of authorized office (notary
public) to administer it.
2) It must be an unequivocal and present act by which the affiant consciously takes upon
himself the obligation of oath.
17) What is the alternate simplest form in which an oath may be administered for those who
conscientiously decline taking an oath? - correct answer-Affirmation: Do you solemnly,
sincerely and truly declare and affirm that the statements made by you are true and correct?
"Plan B"
18) Unacceptable to the Secretary of State is "slipshod" administration. What is the simplest
form which an oath may lawfully be administered (given) by the notary public? - correct
