Indiana Notary Public Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of an Indiana notary public?

1. Take acknowledgments

2. Certify copies of official documents

3. Administer oaths

4. Perform affirmations

The correct answer is: Certify copies of official documents

The responsibility that is NOT typically associated with an Indiana notary public is the certification of copies of official documents. In Indiana, notaries are primarily charged with taking acknowledgments, administering oaths, and performing affirmations, which are all vital functions that ensure the authenticity of signatures and the credibility of documents. Taking acknowledgments involves verifying the identity of the signer and ensuring that they are signing willingly. Administering oaths and performing affirmations are essential when a person needs to affirm the truth of their statements under oath, often required in legal proceedings or formal declarations. Certifying copies of documents is a specific responsibility that some notaries in other jurisdictions might hold, but in Indiana, notaries do not generally have the authority to certify copies of documents as 'true copies' of the originals. Instead, other professionals, such as clerks or specific officials, are designated to provide such services.