Pennsylvania Notary Public Exam Flashcards
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Is an exam required to become a PA notary, and who administers it?
Yes — applicants must pass an examination, which is administered by Pearson VUE, the Department's examination vendor.
What is the role of a notary public?
A public officer commissioned by the state to serve as an impartial witness to signings and to deter fraud.
How much does the PA notary exam cost?
$65 per test.
How long do you have to pass the PA notary exam once authorized to sit for it?
Six months from the time you are authorized to sit for the examination.
What is an acknowledgment?
A notarial act in which the signer declares the signature is genuine and made willingly. The signer need not sign in the notary's presence and takes no oath.
What is a jurat?
A notarial act in which the signer must sign in the notary's presence and take an oath or affirmation that the statements are true. It is used for affidavits and sworn statements.
Key difference between an acknowledgment and a jurat?
An acknowledgment involves no oath and the signer need not sign before the notary; a jurat requires signing in the notary's presence plus an oath or affirmation that the statements are true.
How must a notary identify a signer?
Through personal knowledge or by satisfactory evidence such as a current government-issued identification document.
May a notary notarize a document in which they have a financial interest?
No. A notary must not notarize a document to which they are a party or in which they have a direct financial or beneficial interest.
Can a notary notarize a signature if the signer is not present?
No. A notary may not notarize a signature unless the signer is physically present at the time of notarization.
May a non-attorney notary give legal advice or prepare legal documents?
No. A non-attorney notary may not give legal advice, accept fees for legal advice, or prepare legal documents for others.
When must a notary refuse to perform a notarization?
When the signer appears coerced, does not understand the transaction, or cannot be properly identified.
What information must a notary record in the journal for each act?
The date and time of the act, the type of act, the type of document, the name and address of each signer, and the method used to identify the signer.
What must the official notary seal include?
The notary's name, the words "Notary Public," the commissioning state, and the commission expiration date.
Who may use a notary's seal and journal?
Only the notary. The notary must keep the seal and journal under exclusive control and must not allow another person to use them.