Sample Notary Exam 1

Question 1

Register for a Notary Class

1) A notary who charges more then the maximum allowable fees may face what penalties?
a) $750 fine
b) $750 and $1,500 fine
c) $750 fine and suspension or revocation of the notary commission
d) $1,500 fine and suspension or revocation of the notary commission

Correct answer: C                               
          There are a total of five fine amounts to remember for the exam: $500, $750, $1,500, $2,500 and $10,000. While that sounds like a lot, they really can be simplified. There are two violations in each of the following fine amount categories:
          $500

1. Failing to notify the Secretary of State of a change in business address.
2. Failing to notify the Secretary of State of a name change.

$2,500

1. Failing to obtain a thumbprint when required.
2. Failing to submit a journal to a peace officer for inspection when required.

$10,000

1. Failing to obtain proper evidence of identification for an acknowledgment.
2. Falsifying an acknowledgment

There are four $750 fines

1. Charging more than the maximum allowable notary fees.
2. Negligent failure to fully and faithfully discharge any notarial duty required of a notary public.
3. Failure to complete the Acknowledgment at the time the notary’s signature and seal are affixed to the document.
4. Failure to administer an oath or affirmation as required when completing a jurat.

Other notary violations carry a fine of up to $1,500.

Suspension or Revocation
As a general rule of thumb, almost all violations carry a potential for suspension or revocation of the notary commission. Those violations which will result in revocation (rather than suspension or revocation) include violations where the notary is convicted of a crime relating to a notarial issue. There is also a mandatory suspension of not less than one-year of the notary commission for translating the term Notary Public directly into Spanish or improper/ illegal advertising. (See question 2)