Notary Public Commission Exam
Legal Terminology Practice Questions
20 practice questions with detailed explanations — aligned to the Notary Public Commission Exam.
Q1.The term 'Affiant' refers to:
A.The NotaryB.The person who makes and signs an affidavit (sworn statement)C.The lawyerD.The witnessB. The person who makes and signs an affidavit (sworn statement)Explanation: The Affiant is the person swearing to the truth of the affidavit.
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Q2.A 'Deposition' is:
A.A written statement used in courtB.The oral testimony of a witness taken out of court, under oath, and reduced to writingC.A deedD.A notary logB. The oral testimony of a witness taken out of court, under oath, and reduced to writingExplanation: Notaries (especially those who are court reporters) often swear in witnesses for depositions.
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Q3.The term 'Principal' in a notarization refers to:
A.The NotaryB.The Signer (the person whose signature is being notarized)C.The bankD.The amount of the loanB. The Signer (the person whose signature is being notarized)Explanation: The Principal is the main party to the transaction (the signer).
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Q4.'Jurisdiction' refers to:
A.The notary's officeB.The geographic area where the notary has authority to actC.The fee chargedD.The court systemB. The geographic area where the notary has authority to actExplanation: Jurisdiction is the physical territory (usually the whole state) where the notary can function.
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Q5.An 'Instrument' in legal terms is:
A.A musical deviceB.A legal document (like a deed, contract, or will)C.The notary sealD.A penB. A legal document (like a deed, contract, or will)Explanation: In notary law, an instrument is the written document being notarized.
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Q6.A 'Codicil' is:
A.A type of fishB.A supplement or addition to a willC.A power of attorneyD.A real estate leaseB. A supplement or addition to a willExplanation: A Codicil modifies an existing will. It requires the same formalities (witnesses/notarization) as the original will.
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Q7.'SS.' (Scilicet) found in the Venue section means:
A.Social SecurityB.So SignedC.To Wit (namely/that is to say)D.State SealC. To Wit (namely/that is to say)Explanation: It is a Latin abbreviation meaning 'to wit' or 'namely', introducing the location details.
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Q8.A 'Power of Attorney' is:
A.A lawyerB.A document authorizing a person (Agent/Attorney-in-Fact) to act on behalf of another (Principal)C.A court orderD.A notary commissionB. A document authorizing a person (Agent/Attorney-in-Fact) to act on behalf of another (Principal)Explanation: The POA is the document. The person receiving the power is the Attorney-in-Fact.
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Q9.'Errors and Omissions' (E&O) refers to:
A.Criminal actsB.Negligence or mistakes made by the notaryC.Missing signaturesD.Lost journalsB. Negligence or mistakes made by the notaryExplanation: E&O is liability for unintentional mistakes.
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Q10.A 'Statute' is:
A.A law enacted by a legislatureB.A statue of a famous personC.A court rulingD.A notary ruleA. A law enacted by a legislatureExplanation: Statutes (state laws) govern notary practice.
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Q11.'Subscribe' means:
A.To pay a monthly feeB.To sign one's name to a documentC.To watch a videoD.To swear an oathB. To sign one's name to a documentExplanation: To subscribe is to write one's signature (usually at the bottom/end of the document).
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Q12.A 'Guardian' is:
A.A notaryB.A person appointed by a court to care for a minor or incompetent personC.A police officerD.A witnessB. A person appointed by a court to care for a minor or incompetent personExplanation: Guardians often sign documents on behalf of their wards.
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Q13.'Prima Facie' evidence means:
A.False evidenceB.Evidence that is sufficient to prove a fact unless rebuttedC.Primary faceD.No evidenceB. Evidence that is sufficient to prove a fact unless rebuttedExplanation: A notarized signature is 'prima facie' evidence that the signature is genuine. The burden of proof shifts to the person claiming it is forged.
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Q14.'Authentication' (of a notary) refers to:
A.Checking their IDB.A government agency verifying that a notary is active and their signature matches the record (for foreign use)C.The notary signing the documentD.The signer signing the journalB. A government agency verifying that a notary is active and their signature matches the record (for foreign use)Explanation: This leads to an Apostille or Certificate of Authority.
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Q15.'Capacity' refers to:
A.The size of the roomB.The legal qualification or authority of a person to sign (e.g., as President, as Trustee)C.The volume of the voiceD.The fee chargedB. The legal qualification or authority of a person to sign (e.g., as President, as Trustee)Explanation: Signing in a 'representative capacity' means signing on behalf of another entity.
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Q16.A 'Mortgage' or 'Deed of Trust' is:
A.A loan applicationB.A document that creates a lien on property as security for a debtC.A title deedD.A checkB. A document that creates a lien on property as security for a debtExplanation: These are the primary documents securing real estate loans.
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Q17.'Perjury' is:
A.Lying under oathB.Stealing a sealC.Failing to signD.OverchargingA. Lying under oathExplanation: If a signer lies after taking a Jurat (oath), they commit perjury.
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Q18.'Venue' is:
A.The courtB.The place (State/County) where the notarization occursC.The meetingD.The documentB. The place (State/County) where the notarization occursExplanation: Venue = Location.
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Q19.'Coercion' means:
A.CooperationB.Forcing someone to do something against their willC.Signing togetherD.Paying a feeB. Forcing someone to do something against their willExplanation: Notaries must screen for coercion (lack of willingness).
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Q20.'Bond' (Notary Bond) is:
A.A friendshipB.An insurance policy protecting the *public* from the notary's mistakesC.An insurance policy protecting the *notary*D.A fee paid to the stateB. An insurance policy protecting the *public* from the notary's mistakesExplanation: A surety bond protects the public. If the notary causes harm, the bond pays the victim (and then comes after the notary for reimbursement). E&O insurance protects the notary.
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