Practice Scenarios
Read each scenario and decide what the notary should do.
✓Scenario A
A client brings an already-signed property deed and says, "I signed this last night — I just need it notarized."
Correct act: Acknowledgment (already signed, just needs to confirm willingness)
✓Scenario B
A client brings an affidavit and needs to swear the contents are true.
Correct act: Jurat (must sign in front of the notary and take an oath)
✓Scenario C
A signer appears confused, and another person keeps answering questions for them.
Correct action: Refuse — willingness and awareness cannot be confirmed
✓Scenario D
A client asks the notary, "Can you explain what this legal clause means before I sign?"
Correct action: Politely decline to interpret it — refer them to an attorney (notaries cannot give legal advice)
Most real situations come down to choosing the right act — or recognizing when to refuse.