Notary Public Exam Questions And Correct Answers Verified By Experts
1) When can a notary public reapply for commission without re-testing? - 1) Up until 6 months from
expiration date.
2) Up until 1 year after military discharge (except dishonorable)
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? -
The Secretary of state.
3) Can a notary public be denied reappointment at the time of renewal, even if in excellent, good
standing? - 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? - 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? - 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? - 4 years.
7) Who issues the notary public id/license? - Secretary of State. The Division of Licensing Services.
8) How does the notary public renew his license and when? - 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? - 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? - 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? - By doing so he vacates his office commission.
12) How many notary public can the Secretary of State appoint? - As many as he/she likes.
13) What are the general regulations and procedures at the test center? - 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? - 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? - Never,
unless representing own self.
16) Of the 2 simplest forms of oath, what is required for both? - 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? - Affirmation: Do you solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and
affirm that the statements made by you are true and correct?
"Plan B"
1) When can a notary public reapply for commission without re-testing? - 1) Up until 6 months from
expiration date.
2) Up until 1 year after military discharge (except dishonorable)
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? -
The Secretary of state.
3) Can a notary public be denied reappointment at the time of renewal, even if in excellent, good
standing? - 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? - 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? - 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? - 4 years.
7) Who issues the notary public id/license? - Secretary of State. The Division of Licensing Services.
8) How does the notary public renew his license and when? - 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? - 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? - 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? - By doing so he vacates his office commission.
12) How many notary public can the Secretary of State appoint? - As many as he/she likes.
13) What are the general regulations and procedures at the test center? - 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? - 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? - Never,
unless representing own self.
16) Of the 2 simplest forms of oath, what is required for both? - 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? - Affirmation: Do you solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and
affirm that the statements made by you are true and correct?
"Plan B"
