Free Practice Test
Free Notary Public Practice Test
Take our free 10-question notary public practice test — covering notarial acts, acceptable identification, journal and recordkeeping rules, fees, and prohibited acts. No signup required. See your score instantly.
10 Free Notary Public Practice Questions
Q1. What is the primary function of a Notary Public?Show answer
✓ Correct Answer: To serve as an impartial witness to the signing of documents
A Notary Public is an impartial witness appointed by the state to verify the identity of the signer and witness the signing of documents to deter fraud.
Q2. When administering an oath, the notary should require the signer to:Show answer
✓ Correct Answer: Raise their right hand
Raising the right hand is the standard ceremonial gesture for taking an oath, emphasizing the seriousness of the act.
Q3. An Employee ID card is usually:Show answer
✓ Correct Answer: Acceptable if issued by a government agency (city/state/fed)
Private corporate IDs are not acceptable. However, IDs issued by government agencies (e.g., City Employee ID) are often acceptable if they contain the required elements.
Q4. The phrase 'witness my hand and official seal' means:Show answer
✓ Correct Answer: The notary has signed and affixed their seal
This is traditional legal language attesting that the notary personally signed and sealed the instrument.
Q5. Which of the following is grounds for refusing a notarization?Show answer
✓ Correct Answer: The signer appears to be mentally incapacitated or confused
A notary must refuse if the signer lacks awareness (competence) or volition (willingness). Discrimination based on race or client status (in public places) is prohibited.
Q6. A 'Codicil' is:Show answer
✓ Correct Answer: A supplement or addition to a will
A Codicil modifies an existing will. It requires the same formalities (witnesses/notarization) as the original will.
Q7. Which loan document does NOT require notarization?Show answer
✓ Correct Answer: Promissory Note
The Promissory Note is a contract, not a recorded instrument. It is rarely notarized.
Q8. In a jurat, what oath or affirmation obligation exists?Show answer
✓ Correct Answer: The notary must administer an oath or affirmation to the signer about the truthfulness of the document's content
A jurat always requires the notary to administer an oath or affirmation in which the signer swears or affirms that the content of the document is true.
Q9. What does IPEN stand for, and how does it differ from RON?Show answer
✓ Correct Answer: In-Person Electronic Notarization — signer and notary are physically present, but signatures and seals are electronic
IPEN (In-Person Electronic Notarization) requires the notary and signer to be in the same physical location, but uses electronic signatures and an electronic seal rather than ink and paper.
Q10. Should a notary record notarial acts performed while traveling within the state?Show answer
✓ Correct Answer: Yes — all notarial acts performed within the commissioning state should be recorded in the journal regardless of location
A notary's journal captures all notarial acts performed within their jurisdiction. Location within the state does not change the journalization requirement.
What Does the Notary Public Exam Cover?
Notary commissions are issued by each Secretary of State, so requirements vary sharply. Many states require no exam at all — just an application, fee, and sometimes a background check or short training. Where an exam is required, it is usually 30–50 multiple-choice questions with a 70–80% passing score; California's exam is 45 questions requiring 70%. The content is procedural: notarial acts (acknowledgments versus jurats), acceptable identification, journal and recordkeeping requirements, the fees you may charge, and prohibited acts.
How Hard Is the Notary Public Exam?
For most states the notary process is easy — many require no exam at all. In the states that do require a test (notably California, New York, and Louisiana), pass rates run about 80–90% where the exam is straightforward, though California's and Louisiana's are notably harder. The tested material is procedural rather than technical, so candidates who study their state's official handbook and drill the key concepts usually pass. Always check your Secretary of State before assuming an exam is required.
How to Study for the Notary Public Exam
- 1.Learn your state's specific rules — notary law is state-by-state, so study the official handbook your Secretary of State publishes.
- 2.Master acknowledgments versus jurats — know the difference between an acknowledgment and a jurat and when each is used — it is the most-tested concept.
- 3.Know acceptable ID and journal rules — learn the acceptable forms of identification and your state's journal and recordkeeping requirements.
- 4.Learn fees and prohibited acts — know the maximum fees you may charge and the prohibited acts — never notarize without the signer present.
- 5.Take a timed practice test in exam states — in states like California (45 questions, 70% to pass), complete the required education and a timed practice test first. Drill practice questions on the procedural points.
Keep studying — free, no signup
Work more practice questions or grab a free study guide.
Ready for the full Notary path?
Keep practicing in your browser
You just tested the question style. Next, drill notarial acts, acceptable ID, journals, fees, and prohibited acts in web practice.
Web access unlocks browser study only. Native apps are separate for offline mobile study.