Indiana Notary Public Practice Exam

How should a notary public indicate changes made on a document?

1. By using correction tape

2. By crossing out the error and writing above it

3. By writing an explanation on a separate sheet

4. By ignoring any discrepancies

The correct answer is: By crossing out the error and writing above it

The correct approach for a notary public to indicate changes made on a document is to cross out the error and write above it. This method maintains clarity and ensures that the original content remains visible while making it clear what has been amended. It provides a straightforward, transparent way of showing that a correction has been made, which helps in maintaining the integrity and reliability of the document. Using correction tape would obscure the original text, potentially undermining the document’s authenticity and leaving room for questions about what was changed. Writing an explanation on a separate sheet could lead to confusion, as it would not directly connect the correction to the original content. Ignoring discrepancies would risk the document's validity and could lead to legal complications. Therefore, clearly marking the correction directly on the document is the most appropriate method for a notary public.