Notary Public Commission Exam
Legal Terminology Practice Questions
20 practice questions with detailed explanations — aligned to the Notary Public Commission Exam.
Master Legal Terminology to boost your score on the Notary Public Commission Exam. Each question below mirrors the style and difficulty of real exam questions, complete with detailed explanations so you understand the why behind every answer. Work through all 20 questions, review any that trip you up, and use the related topics below to round out your preparation.
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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