Indiana Notary Public Practice Exam

In what situation would a notary reject a document?

1. If it lacks proper signatures

2. If the document is confidential

3. If it appears to be handwritten

4. If the notary is not familiar with the document

The correct answer is: If it lacks proper signatures

The correct answer is the situation where a notary would reject a document if it lacks proper signatures. A notary's primary role is to verify the identity of the signer and ensure that the document is being executed correctly. Proper signatures are crucial because a document without the necessary signatures cannot be legally effective or enforceable. If signatures are missing, the notary cannot proceed with notarization, as the document does not meet the essential requirements for acknowledgment. In contrast, a document deemed confidential can still be notarized; the notary must keep that information private and secure. Handwritten documents are also acceptable, provided they are legible and meet other notarization requirements. Familiarity with the document is not a necessary condition for notarization; a notary can perform their duty on documents they have not seen before, as long as they follow the legal guidelines regarding identification and acknowledgment.