Hawaii Notary Exam | 50 Questions with 100% Correct Answers
Course
Notary
1. Q: What is the primary duty of a notary public?
A. Represent clients in court
B. Draft legal documents
C. Witness and authenticate signatures
D. Offer legal advice
✅ Correct Answer: C. Witness and authenticate signatures
Rationale: A notary's main function is to serve as an impartial witness during the signing
of important documents, verifying the identity of the signer and ensuring they are signing
voluntarily.
2. Q: What must a notary always do before notarizing a document?
A. Record the signer's Social Security Number
B. Verify the signer's identity
C. Collect a fingerprint
D. Read the entire document aloud
✅ Correct Answer: B. Verify the signer's identity
Rationale: It is essential for a notary to verify the signer’s identity using approved
identification before completing a notarization.
3. Q: A notary may refuse to perform a notarial act if:
A. The signer is of a different religion
B. The signer is rude
C. The signer cannot produce valid ID
D. The document is poorly typed
✅ Correct Answer: C. The signer cannot produce valid ID
Rationale: If the signer’s identity cannot be verified through satisfactory evidence (e.g.,
government-issued ID), the notary must decline the notarization.
4. Q: Which of the following is considered an acceptable form of identification?
A. A gym membership card
B. A handwritten note from a friend
C. A state-issued driver’s license
D. A library card
✅ Correct Answer: C. A state-issued driver’s license
Rationale: Most states require a valid, government-issued photo ID for identity
verification.
,
5. Q: Can a notary notarize their own signature?
A. Yes, if it is a will
B. Yes, if they sign in front of another notary
C. No, never
D. Yes, if it’s a simple contract
✅ Correct Answer: C. No, never
Rationale: A notary cannot notarize their own signature because it presents a clear
conflict of interest.
6. Q: If a signer does not speak English, a notary can proceed only if:
A. The notary understands the signer’s language
B. The signer nods yes
C. A friend interprets
D. The document is written in English
✅ Correct Answer: A. The notary understands the signer’s language
Rationale: The notary must be able to communicate directly with the signer to confirm
their willingness and understanding.
7. Q: What is the penalty for notarizing a document without the signer being
present?
A. No penalty, if it’s family
B. A fine only
C. Suspension or revocation of commission, fines, or criminal charges
D. Just a warning
✅ Correct Answer: C. Suspension or revocation of commission, fines, or criminal
charges
Rationale: Notarizing without the signer present is considered fraud and can result in
severe legal consequences.
8. Q: What is a "jurat"?
A. A type of ID verification
B. An oath or affirmation signed in front of a notary
C. A notarized financial document
D. A type of legal document
✅ Correct Answer: B. An oath or affirmation signed in front of a notary
Rationale: A jurat is used when the signer swears to or affirms the truth of the contents
of a document and signs it in the notary’s presence.
9. Q: Which of the following acts may a notary not perform?
A. Taking acknowledgments
, B. Certifying a copy of a birth certificate
C. Administering oaths
D. Completing a journal entry
✅ Correct Answer: B. Certifying a copy of a birth certificate
Rationale: Birth certificates are official government records. Notaries are not authorized
to certify copies of vital records.
10. Q: A notary journal must include all of the following EXCEPT:
A. Date and time of notarization
B. Type of notarial act
C. Signer’s religion
D. Type of identification provided
✅ Correct Answer: C. Signer’s religion
Rationale: Religious information is not relevant or appropriate to record in a notary
journal.
11. Q: What is the purpose of a notary seal or stamp?
A. To decorate the document
B. To authenticate the notarization
C. To indicate payment was made
D. To show the signer’s status
✅ Correct Answer: B. To authenticate the notarization
Rationale: The notary seal/stamp provides proof that a document was notarized by a
commissioned notary and includes essential details like the notary’s name, commission
number, and expiration date.
12. Q: A notary is asked to notarize a document where the signer appears confused
and disoriented. What should the notary do?
A. Ask the signer to leave and come back later
B. Proceed since the signer is physically present
C. Continue if the document is already filled out
D. Refuse to notarize the document
✅ Correct Answer: D. Refuse to notarize the document
Rationale: A notary must be satisfied that the signer is aware, competent, and willing.
Confusion or disorientation indicates lack of capacity.
13. Q: What is an acknowledgment?
A. A statement that the signer understands the law
B. A notary declaring the document is legal
C. A notary certifying the signer appeared and acknowledged signing voluntarily
D. A form of payment receipt
✅ Correct Answer: C. A notary certifying the signer appeared and acknowledged
signing voluntarily
, Rationale: An acknowledgment confirms the signer appeared before the notary, provided
valid ID, and acknowledged that they willingly signed the document.
14. Q: How long must a notary keep their journal (where required by law)?
A. 1 year
B. 3 years
C. 5 years
D. Depends on the state law
✅ Correct Answer: D. Depends on the state law
Rationale: Each state has specific laws governing how long journals must be kept—often
3–10 years or permanently if notaries cease practice.
15. Q: When is it acceptable for a notary to leave blanks in a document being
notarized?
A. Never
B. When the signer says it’s okay
C. When it’s just a draft
D. When notarizing an affidavit only
✅ Correct Answer: A. Never
Rationale: Notaries should never notarize documents with blank spaces that could be
altered after notarization.
16. Q: A credible witness is used when:
A. A signer is overseas
B. A signer does not have valid ID and is known to a witness
C. The notary wants extra verification
D. A document is being faxed
✅ Correct Answer: B. A signer does not have valid ID and is known to a witness
Rationale: A credible witness can vouch for the identity of a signer who lacks ID,
provided both are present and the witness is also identified.
17. Q: What is the notary’s responsibility if the document has legal terms the notary
doesn’t understand?
A. Ask the signer to explain it
B. Call an attorney
C. Decline to notarize if unsure of what is being done
D. Notarize anyway; the contents are not the notary’s concern
✅ Correct Answer: D. Notarize anyway; the contents are not the notary’s concern
Rationale: A notary does not review content for legal meaning, only the signature and
identity. The signer is responsible for understanding the document.
Course
Notary
1. Q: What is the primary duty of a notary public?
A. Represent clients in court
B. Draft legal documents
C. Witness and authenticate signatures
D. Offer legal advice
✅ Correct Answer: C. Witness and authenticate signatures
Rationale: A notary's main function is to serve as an impartial witness during the signing
of important documents, verifying the identity of the signer and ensuring they are signing
voluntarily.
2. Q: What must a notary always do before notarizing a document?
A. Record the signer's Social Security Number
B. Verify the signer's identity
C. Collect a fingerprint
D. Read the entire document aloud
✅ Correct Answer: B. Verify the signer's identity
Rationale: It is essential for a notary to verify the signer’s identity using approved
identification before completing a notarization.
3. Q: A notary may refuse to perform a notarial act if:
A. The signer is of a different religion
B. The signer is rude
C. The signer cannot produce valid ID
D. The document is poorly typed
✅ Correct Answer: C. The signer cannot produce valid ID
Rationale: If the signer’s identity cannot be verified through satisfactory evidence (e.g.,
government-issued ID), the notary must decline the notarization.
4. Q: Which of the following is considered an acceptable form of identification?
A. A gym membership card
B. A handwritten note from a friend
C. A state-issued driver’s license
D. A library card
✅ Correct Answer: C. A state-issued driver’s license
Rationale: Most states require a valid, government-issued photo ID for identity
verification.
,
5. Q: Can a notary notarize their own signature?
A. Yes, if it is a will
B. Yes, if they sign in front of another notary
C. No, never
D. Yes, if it’s a simple contract
✅ Correct Answer: C. No, never
Rationale: A notary cannot notarize their own signature because it presents a clear
conflict of interest.
6. Q: If a signer does not speak English, a notary can proceed only if:
A. The notary understands the signer’s language
B. The signer nods yes
C. A friend interprets
D. The document is written in English
✅ Correct Answer: A. The notary understands the signer’s language
Rationale: The notary must be able to communicate directly with the signer to confirm
their willingness and understanding.
7. Q: What is the penalty for notarizing a document without the signer being
present?
A. No penalty, if it’s family
B. A fine only
C. Suspension or revocation of commission, fines, or criminal charges
D. Just a warning
✅ Correct Answer: C. Suspension or revocation of commission, fines, or criminal
charges
Rationale: Notarizing without the signer present is considered fraud and can result in
severe legal consequences.
8. Q: What is a "jurat"?
A. A type of ID verification
B. An oath or affirmation signed in front of a notary
C. A notarized financial document
D. A type of legal document
✅ Correct Answer: B. An oath or affirmation signed in front of a notary
Rationale: A jurat is used when the signer swears to or affirms the truth of the contents
of a document and signs it in the notary’s presence.
9. Q: Which of the following acts may a notary not perform?
A. Taking acknowledgments
, B. Certifying a copy of a birth certificate
C. Administering oaths
D. Completing a journal entry
✅ Correct Answer: B. Certifying a copy of a birth certificate
Rationale: Birth certificates are official government records. Notaries are not authorized
to certify copies of vital records.
10. Q: A notary journal must include all of the following EXCEPT:
A. Date and time of notarization
B. Type of notarial act
C. Signer’s religion
D. Type of identification provided
✅ Correct Answer: C. Signer’s religion
Rationale: Religious information is not relevant or appropriate to record in a notary
journal.
11. Q: What is the purpose of a notary seal or stamp?
A. To decorate the document
B. To authenticate the notarization
C. To indicate payment was made
D. To show the signer’s status
✅ Correct Answer: B. To authenticate the notarization
Rationale: The notary seal/stamp provides proof that a document was notarized by a
commissioned notary and includes essential details like the notary’s name, commission
number, and expiration date.
12. Q: A notary is asked to notarize a document where the signer appears confused
and disoriented. What should the notary do?
A. Ask the signer to leave and come back later
B. Proceed since the signer is physically present
C. Continue if the document is already filled out
D. Refuse to notarize the document
✅ Correct Answer: D. Refuse to notarize the document
Rationale: A notary must be satisfied that the signer is aware, competent, and willing.
Confusion or disorientation indicates lack of capacity.
13. Q: What is an acknowledgment?
A. A statement that the signer understands the law
B. A notary declaring the document is legal
C. A notary certifying the signer appeared and acknowledged signing voluntarily
D. A form of payment receipt
✅ Correct Answer: C. A notary certifying the signer appeared and acknowledged
signing voluntarily
, Rationale: An acknowledgment confirms the signer appeared before the notary, provided
valid ID, and acknowledged that they willingly signed the document.
14. Q: How long must a notary keep their journal (where required by law)?
A. 1 year
B. 3 years
C. 5 years
D. Depends on the state law
✅ Correct Answer: D. Depends on the state law
Rationale: Each state has specific laws governing how long journals must be kept—often
3–10 years or permanently if notaries cease practice.
15. Q: When is it acceptable for a notary to leave blanks in a document being
notarized?
A. Never
B. When the signer says it’s okay
C. When it’s just a draft
D. When notarizing an affidavit only
✅ Correct Answer: A. Never
Rationale: Notaries should never notarize documents with blank spaces that could be
altered after notarization.
16. Q: A credible witness is used when:
A. A signer is overseas
B. A signer does not have valid ID and is known to a witness
C. The notary wants extra verification
D. A document is being faxed
✅ Correct Answer: B. A signer does not have valid ID and is known to a witness
Rationale: A credible witness can vouch for the identity of a signer who lacks ID,
provided both are present and the witness is also identified.
17. Q: What is the notary’s responsibility if the document has legal terms the notary
doesn’t understand?
A. Ask the signer to explain it
B. Call an attorney
C. Decline to notarize if unsure of what is being done
D. Notarize anyway; the contents are not the notary’s concern
✅ Correct Answer: D. Notarize anyway; the contents are not the notary’s concern
Rationale: A notary does not review content for legal meaning, only the signature and
identity. The signer is responsible for understanding the document.
