Free Online Notary Public Exam Practice Questions

Sample Practice Questions

Try these 10 sample questions from the Online Notary Public Exam practice bank. Each includes the answer and explanation. Continue with the interactive practice above to review the full question set.

1. 1An Arkansas signer asks what role the notary performs when witnessing an acknowledgment. Which description best states that role?

   1. A. An official and unbiased witness to the signer's identity
   2. B. An advocate who protects the signer's legal position
   3. C. A records custodian who validates the document's contents
   4. D. A judicial officer who decides whether the transaction is enforceable

   Answer: A

   Explanation: The handbook says, "A notary public acts as an official and unbiased witness to the identity of a person who appears before the notary." The notary verifies identity rather than advising on the transaction.

   Reference: Author: David Easley — p. 1, What is a Notary Public?

2. 2Which applicant satisfies the Arkansas residency-related qualification described in the handbook?

   1. A. A legal Arkansas resident
   2. B. Any U.S. resident who visits Arkansas monthly
   3. C. Any foreign resident who owns Arkansas property
   4. D. A resident of a nonadjoining state who works remotely for an Arkansas client

   Answer: A

   Explanation: The handbook lists as eligible "a legal resident of Arkansas" and separately defines limited qualifying nonresident categories. Mere visits, property ownership, or a remote client do not match those categories.

   Reference: Author: David Easley — p. 1, Qualification

3. 3Within what period must an Arkansas notary file an amendment after a name or address change on file?

   1. A. 30 days
   2. B. 10 days
   3. C. 60 days
   4. D. 90 days

   Answer: A

   Explanation: The handbook provides that the notary "must file an amendment within thirty (30) days of the change." The same stated period applies to a name or address change.

   Reference: Author: David Easley — p. 6, Changes in Personal Information

4. 4Which device may an Arkansas traditional notary use as the seal of office?

   1. A. Only a metal embosser
   2. B. Only a rubber stamp
   3. C. Either a rubber stamp or a metal embosser
   4. D. Only a handwritten seal

   Answer: C

   Explanation: The handbook permits the seal of office to be either a rubber stamp or a metal embosser.

   Reference: Author: David Easley — p. 8, Seal of Office

5. 5Which act is within an Arkansas notary's stated powers?

   1. A. Issuing a court judgment
   2. B. Administering an oath to a witness
   3. C. Recording a deed as county recorder
   4. D. Giving binding legal advice

   Answer: B

   Explanation: The handbook lists administering oaths to witnesses among an Arkansas notary's powers and duties.

   Reference: Author: David Easley — p. 10, Powers and Duties

6. 6Does the handbook identify one exclusive form of identification that an Arkansas notary must accept?

   1. A. Yes, an Arkansas driver's license only
   2. B. Yes, a United States passport only
   3. C. No; the notary must be satisfactorily convinced of identity
   4. D. No identification consideration is ever needed

   Answer: C

   Explanation: The handbook says Arkansas law does not specify a single acceptable identification document; the notary must satisfactorily prove the signer's identity.

   Reference: Author: David Easley — p. 10, Identification

7. 7A traditional Arkansas notary is asked to notarize while the signer participates only by ordinary video call. What must the notary do?

   1. A. Proceed if the signer displays government identification
   2. B. Decline because personal appearance is required
   3. C. Proceed if two witnesses join the call
   4. D. Decline only when the document concerns real estate

   Answer: B

   Explanation: The handbook states, "Personal appearance before the notary is required. A notary cannot notarize a document by video or remotely." An ordinary video call does not satisfy the traditional-notary requirement.

   Reference: Author: David Easley — p. 1, What is a Notary Public?

8. 8A notary witnesses a signature without seeing the signing and without personal knowledge or satisfactory proof. What offense does the official complaint form identify?

   1. A. A Class A misdemeanor
   2. B. A civil parking violation
   3. C. A federal felony in every case
   4. D. No offense

   Answer: A

   Explanation: The official complaint form quotes Arkansas Code § 21-14-111 and identifies the prohibited witnessing conduct as a Class A misdemeanor.

   Reference: Notary Complaint Form (2025) — Ark. Code Ann. § 21-14-111 excerpt

9. 9Which Arkansas office is the competent authority that issues apostilles for Arkansas public documents?

   1. A. The Arkansas Secretary of State
   2. B. Every Arkansas notary individually
   3. C. The local post office
   4. D. The document's foreign recipient

   Answer: A

   Explanation: The official apostille brochure identifies the Arkansas Secretary of State as the state's competent authority for apostilles.

   Reference: Apostille Brochure (2025) — Apostille overview and competent authority

10. 10An Arkansas notary is named as a party in a contract presented for notarization. Which response complies with the handbook?

    1. A. Notarize if no fee is collected
    2. B. Notarize if another witness is present
    3. C. Do not notarize the document
    4. D. Notarize after disclosing the interest in the certificate

    Answer: C

    Explanation: The handbook provides, "A notary public cannot notarize his/her own signature, or a document to which the notary is party." Being a party disqualifies the notary regardless of fee or disclosure.

    Reference: Author: David Easley — p. 1, What is a Notary Public?