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Georgia Notary practice questions

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Question 1Georgia Notary Law

In Georgia, a notary public commission is generally issued for a term of how many years?

  1. Two years
  2. Ten years
  3. Four years Correct answer.
  4. Six years

Explanation

Georgia notary commissions run for a four-year term, after which the notary must apply for reappointment through the appropriate appointing authority. The term is fixed by statute rather than set by the individual applicant.

Question 2Georgia Notary Law

Which official generally holds the authority to appoint notaries public in Georgia, with applications typically routed through the probate court?

  1. The clerk of superior court
  2. The judge of the probate court Correct answer.
  3. The sheriff of the county
  4. The county tax commissioner

Explanation

In Georgia the appointing power for notaries public rests with the judge of the probate court for the county, and applications are submitted through that office. Other county officials such as the sheriff or tax commissioner have no role in commissioning notaries.

Question 3Georgia Notary Law

A notary is asked to notarize a signature on a document written in a language the notary cannot read. What is the most appropriate course of action?

  1. Decline unless a certified translator is present to sign as a witness
  2. Proceed if the signer verbally translates the document for the notary
  3. Refuse all notarizations in any foreign language regardless of circumstances
  4. Notarize only if the notary can identify the signer and the notarial certificate itself is understood Correct answer.

Explanation

A notary's duty is to verify identity and administer the required oath or acknowledgment, not to vouch for the content of the document. The notarial certificate must be in a form the notary understands, but the underlying document may be in another language.

Question 4Georgia Notary Law

Which statement best describes a notary's obligation regarding the notarial certificate on an acknowledgment?

  1. The notary need not include a certificate for an acknowledgment
  2. The notary must complete a certificate stating the facts of the act performed Correct answer.
  3. The notary may use any wording without regard to statutory forms
  4. The notary may leave the certificate blank for the signer to complete later

Explanation

An acknowledgment is not effective without a proper certificate completed by the notary that reflects the act performed. Leaving the certificate blank or omitting it defeats the purpose of the notarial act and may expose the notary to liability.

Question 5Georgia Notary Law

A notary is personally named as a beneficiary in a will and is asked to notarize the testator's signature on that same will. What should the notary do?

  1. Notarize only after obtaining the probate judge's written permission
  2. Decline to act because of the personal interest in the transaction Correct answer.
  3. Notarize but disclose the interest in the certificate
  4. Notarize the will because beneficiary status is irrelevant to notarial acts

Explanation

A notary should not perform a notarial act in a transaction in which the notary has a direct personal interest, because the impartiality of the act is compromised. Being a beneficiary creates exactly that disqualifying interest.

Question 6Georgia Notary Law

When taking an acknowledgment, the signer must appear before the notary and do which of the following?

  1. Provide two credible witnesses to the signature
  2. Swear under oath that the contents of the document are true
  3. Produce a certified copy of the document for the notary's file
  4. Acknowledge that the signature is the signer's voluntary act and deed Correct answer.

Explanation

An acknowledgment is a declaration by the signer that the signature was voluntarily executed for the purposes stated in the document; no oath is administered. Jurats, by contrast, involve an oath or affirmation.

Question 7Georgia Notary Law

A notary administers an oath to an affiant and completes a jurat certificate. Which element is essential to a valid jurat?

  1. The notary must read the entire document aloud to the affiant
  2. The affiant must personally appear and swear or affirm the truth of the statement Correct answer.
  3. The document must be recorded in the county deed records
  4. The affiant's signature must be witnessed by two disinterested parties

Explanation

A jurat certifies that the affiant personally appeared, signed the document, and swore or affirmed its truthfulness in the notary's presence. Personal appearance and the oath or affirmation are the defining elements.

Question 8Georgia Notary Law

A notary is asked to certify a copy of a Georgia birth certificate. What is the notary's proper response?

  1. Decline, because certified copies of vital records are issued by the custodian agency Correct answer.
  2. Certify the copy because all public records may be copied by a notary
  3. Certify the copy and note that it is for informational use only
  4. Certify the copy only if the original is presented in person

Explanation

Georgia notaries may certify copies of certain documents, but vital records such as birth certificates must be obtained from the state or county custodian. Notaries cannot certify copies of records that statute reserves to the issuing agency.

Question 9Georgia Notary Law

Which of the following is the standard method a Georgia notary should use to identify a signer for a notarial act?

  1. Comparing the signature to a previous document on file
  2. Relying solely on a coworker's verbal assurance
  3. Personal knowledge or satisfactory evidence such as a government-issued photo ID Correct answer.
  4. Accepting any card bearing the signer's printed name

Explanation

A notary must identify the signer through personal knowledge or satisfactory evidence, which typically means a current government-issued identification with a photograph and signature. Verbal assurances and signature comparisons alone are insufficient.

Question 10Georgia Notary Law

A notary's commission expires on June 30. On July 5 the notary performs a notarization without having been reappointed. What is the status of that notarial act?

  1. Invalid, because the notary's commission had expired Correct answer.
  2. Valid, because there is a 30-day grace period after expiration
  3. Valid only if the signer did not know of the expiration
  4. Valid, because the notary was previously commissioned

Explanation

A notary's authority ends when the commission expires, and acts performed after expiration are not valid notarial acts. Georgia law provides no general grace period for performing notarizations after the term ends.

Question 11Georgia Notary Law

Which record-keeping practice best reflects a Georgia notary's journal obligations?

  1. Recording only the fees collected for each act
  2. Keeping notes on loose paper that may be discarded after each act
  3. Recording entries only when the signer requests it
  4. Recording each notarial act in a permanent journal maintained for the required retention period Correct answer.

Explanation

A notary should maintain a journal of notarial acts that records the details of each act and is retained for the period required by law. The journal serves as an official record and may be subject to inspection.

Question 12Georgia Notary Law

A notary is asked to notarize a document for a close family member. Under Georgia practice, what is the proper approach?

  1. Proceed only if another notary witnesses the signature
  2. Decline, because a notary may not notarize for a spouse or certain close relatives Correct answer.
  3. Proceed, because family members may always be notarized
  4. Proceed and note the relationship in the certificate

Explanation

Georgia law prohibits a notary from performing notarial acts for a spouse and certain close relatives because of the inherent conflict of interest. The restriction protects the integrity of the notarial act.

Question 13Georgia Notary Law

What is the primary purpose of requiring a notary to administer an oath or affirmation with a jurat?

  1. To create a permanent record of the signer's address
  2. To impress upon the affiant the legal significance of the statement and bind them to its truth Correct answer.
  3. To satisfy a requirement that the notary witness the signing of every contract
  4. To transfer ownership of property described in the document

Explanation

The oath or affirmation is the mechanism by which the affiant assumes legal responsibility for the truth of the statement. The notary's certificate documents that this solemn act occurred.

Question 14Georgia Notary Law

A notary is asked to perform a notarial act on a document that the notary believes is fraudulent. What is the notary's best course of action?

  1. Ask the signer to sign an indemnity agreement first
  2. Perform the act but omit the certificate
  3. Perform the act and report the suspicion afterward
  4. Refuse to perform the act and explain the concern Correct answer.

Explanation

A notary should decline to perform a notarial act when there is reason to believe the transaction is fraudulent or unlawful. Proceeding and reporting later does not protect the integrity of the act.

Question 15Georgia Notary Law

Which statement accurately describes the notary seal or stamp requirement in Georgia?

  1. The seal must include the notary's name and the county of appointment, among other elements Correct answer.
  2. A seal is optional if the notary signs clearly
  3. The seal may contain only the notary's initials
  4. A seal is required only for real estate documents

Explanation

Georgia requires notaries to use an official seal or stamp of office that identifies the notary and the county of appointment, along with other statutorily prescribed information. The seal authenticates the notary's official acts.

Question 16Georgia Notary Law

A notary moves to a different Georgia county during the commission term. What should the notary do regarding the commission?

  1. Continue notarizing without any action until the term ends
  2. Resign the commission and wait for the next application cycle
  3. Notify the appointing probate court and follow the required procedure for the change Correct answer.
  4. Obtain a new commission from the Secretary of State

Explanation

A notary who changes residence should notify the appointing authority and comply with the statutory procedure for the change of county. Ignoring the change can create problems with the seal and records.

Question 17Georgia Notary Law

Which of the following best describes the notary's role when performing a notarial act?

  1. To serve as an impartial, disinterested witness of the signing and the required declarations Correct answer.
  2. To represent the signer in the transaction
  3. To guarantee the truth of the document's contents
  4. To provide legal advice about the document's effect

Explanation

A notary acts as an impartial official witness who verifies identity and administers required oaths or acknowledgments. The notary does not give legal advice, represent parties, or guarantee the document's truth.

Question 18Georgia Notary Law

A notary is asked to notarize a signature on a document where the signer appears remotely by video call rather than in person. What is the correct response under traditional Georgia notary practice?

  1. Proceed, because video confirmation is equivalent to personal appearance
  2. Proceed if the signer later mails the original document
  3. Proceed if the notary records the video call
  4. Decline, because the signer must personally appear before the notary Correct answer.

Explanation

Traditional notarial acts require the signer to appear personally before the notary so the notary can verify identity and witness the act. Video appearance does not satisfy the personal-appearance requirement absent specific statutory authorization.

Question 19Georgia Notary Law

Which of the following is a notarial act that a Georgia notary may perform?

  1. Issuing a court order for document production
  2. Certifying that a person is of sound mind
  3. Deciding which party has legal title to property
  4. Taking an acknowledgment of a signature Correct answer.

Explanation

Taking acknowledgments is a core notarial act within a Georgia notary's authority. Determining mental capacity, deciding title disputes, and issuing court orders are judicial or legal functions outside the notary's role.

Question 20Georgia Notary Law

A notary completes a notarial certificate but forgets to sign it. What is the effect on the notarial act?

  1. The act is valid because the seal alone authenticates it
  2. The act is defective because the notary's signature is a required element Correct answer.
  3. The act is valid only for acknowledgments, not jurats
  4. The act is valid if the signer also signs the certificate

Explanation

A complete notarial certificate requires the notary's signature along with the seal and the date of the act. Missing the notary's signature leaves the certificate defective and undermines the validity of the notarial act.

Question 21Georgia Notary Law

What is the maximum notarial fee a Georgia notary may charge for a single notarial act under the statutory schedule?

  1. A percentage of the transaction value
  2. A fee set by the notary's discretion
  3. No fee may ever be charged
  4. The statutory amount established by Georgia law for notarial acts Correct answer.

Explanation

Georgia law sets the fees a notary may charge for notarial acts, and a notary may not exceed the statutory schedule. Charging a discretionary or percentage-based fee would violate the fee provisions.

Question 22Georgia Notary Law

A notary is asked to notarize a document for a person who cannot sign but who makes a mark. How should the notary proceed?

  1. Refuse, because a mark is never a valid signature
  2. Sign the person's name on their behalf without notation
  3. Accept the mark if the signer's intent is clear and the certificate reflects how the document was executed Correct answer.
  4. Require the person to sign with a full legal name only

Explanation

A mark may serve as a signature when the signer's intent to execute the document is clear, and the notarial certificate should reflect the manner of execution. The notary documents the act accurately rather than refusing outright.

Question 23Georgia Notary Law

Which of the following describes the notary's duty regarding the notarial certificate when the document lacks a preprinted certificate?

  1. The notary should leave the document unmarked
  2. The notary should attach or complete an appropriate certificate for the act performed Correct answer.
  3. The notary should ask the signer to draft the certificate
  4. The notary should sign the document without any certificate

Explanation

When a document lacks a proper certificate, the notary should supply or attach the appropriate statutory short-form certificate for the act performed. Signing without a certificate leaves the act undocumented and defective.

Question 24Georgia Notary Law

A notary's journal is subpoenaed in litigation. What is the notary's proper response?

  1. Destroy the relevant pages to protect signer privacy
  2. Produce only entries the notary considers favorable
  3. Refuse to produce the journal because it is confidential
  4. Comply with the lawful subpoena and produce the journal as required Correct answer.

Explanation

A notary journal is an official record, and a notary must comply with a lawful subpoena or court order requiring its production. Destroying or selectively producing records would be improper.

Question 25Georgia Notary Law

Which statement correctly distinguishes an acknowledgment from a jurat?

  1. Both require the affiant to swear to the truth of the document's contents
  2. An acknowledgment requires an oath, while a jurat does not
  3. An acknowledgment certifies voluntary execution of a document, while a jurat certifies the truth of a statement under oath Correct answer.
  4. Neither requires the signer to appear before the notary

Explanation

An acknowledgment confirms that the signer voluntarily executed the document for its stated purpose, while a jurat adds an oath or affirmation that the contents are true. Both require personal appearance before the notary.

Question 26Georgia Notary Law

Under Georgia law, a person must meet which requirement to be appointed and commissioned as a notary public?

  1. Be a licensed attorney in good standing
  2. Hold a surety bond issued by a Georgia bank
  3. Be at least 18 years of age and a legal resident of the state Correct answer.
  4. Be at least 21 years of age and a registered voter

Explanation

Georgia's notary statute sets the minimum age at 18 and requires the applicant to be a legal resident of Georgia, along with other qualifications such as being of good moral character. Age 21, attorney licensure, and a bank-issued bond are not statutory prerequisites to holding a commission.

Question 27Georgia Notary Law

An applicant for a Georgia notary commission must generally submit an application to which office?

  1. The superior court clerk of the county of employment
  2. The county tax commissioner
  3. The probate court of the county of residence
  4. The Georgia Secretary of State's office Correct answer.

Explanation

Applications for a Georgia notary public commission are filed with the Georgia Secretary of State, which administers the commissioning process. The probate court, superior court clerk, and tax commissioner handle other county functions and do not issue notary commissions.

Question 28Georgia Notary Law

After being commissioned, a Georgia notary is required to obtain which item before performing notarial acts?

  1. An official seal or stamp of office Correct answer.
  2. A fidelity bond from a licensed insurer
  3. A rubber stamp bearing the state seal
  4. A certificate of authority from the probate judge

Explanation

Georgia requires a commissioned notary to use an official seal or stamp of office on notarial certificates. The seal identifies the notary and the commission, and its use is a statutory duty rather than an optional practice.

Question 29Georgia Notary Law

Which information must appear on a Georgia notary's official seal or stamp?

  1. The notary's name, the county of residence, and the commission expiration date Correct answer.
  2. Only the notary's commission number
  3. The notary's name and the name of the Governor
  4. The notary's employer and business address

Explanation

Georgia law specifies the contents of the notary seal, which include the notary's name, the county in which the notary resides, and the date the commission expires. The Governor's name, an employer, and a business address are not required seal elements.

Question 30Georgia Notary Law

A Georgia notary is asked to perform a notarial act for a signer who does not speak English and no interpreter is present. What is the notary's best course of action?

  1. Proceed using gestures and sign language to confirm understanding
  2. Have the signer sign a waiver of the communication requirement
  3. Perform the act and note the language barrier in the certificate
  4. Decline to perform the act until communication can be established through a competent interpreter Correct answer.

Explanation

A notary must be able to communicate directly with the signer to confirm identity, willingness, and understanding of the act. If no common language exists and no interpreter is available, the notary should decline rather than perform an act without meaningful communication.

Question 31Georgia Notary Law

When a Georgia notary performs a notarial act, the notary is primarily confirming which of the following?

  1. The identity of the signer and the voluntariness of the signature Correct answer.
  2. The truthfulness of every statement in the document
  3. The signer's authority to bind a corporate entity
  4. The legal validity of the underlying document's contents

Explanation

A notary's function is limited to confirming the signer's identity and that the signature was made willingly and knowingly. Notaries do not determine the legal sufficiency of a document, verify all factual statements, or adjudicate corporate authority.

Question 32Georgia Notary Law

A Georgia notary is asked to notarize a signature on a document written in a language the notary cannot read. What should the notary do?

  1. Proceed if the signer confirms the document's contents and the notary can identify the signer Correct answer.
  2. Notarize only if the document is in English
  3. Require a certified translation before acting
  4. Refuse all notarizations of foreign-language documents

Explanation

A notary is not required to read or understand the document's contents; the notary's duty concerns identity and willingness. As long as the notary can communicate with the signer and identify the signer, the notary may proceed, though many notaries choose to note the language in their journal.

Question 33Georgia Notary Law

How long does a Georgia notary commission remain in effect before it must be renewed?

  1. Two years
  2. Six years
  3. Four years Correct answer.
  4. Life, unless revoked

Explanation

Georgia notary commissions run for a four-year term, after which the notary must apply for reappointment. Commissions are not perpetual and are not limited to two years.

Question 34Georgia Notary Law

A Georgia notary's commission expires while the notary is still in office. What is the notary's status after the expiration date?

  1. The notary's authority to perform notarial acts ends Correct answer.
  2. The notary retains authority if the seal is still valid
  3. The notary may continue performing notarial acts until reappointed
  4. The notary may act only for family members

Explanation

A notary's authority derives from the commission, so once it expires the notary may no longer perform notarial acts until reappointed and recommissioned. The seal's physical presence does not extend authority.

Question 35Georgia Notary Law

Which of the following is a notarial act a Georgia notary is expressly authorized to perform?

  1. Recording a deed in the county records
  2. Administering an oath or affirmation Correct answer.
  3. Certifying the accuracy of a financial statement
  4. Issuing a court order

Explanation

Georgia notaries are authorized to administer oaths and affirmations, take acknowledgments, and perform other specified notarial acts. They cannot certify financial accuracy, issue court orders, or record deeds, which are functions of other officials.

Question 36Georgia Notary Law

A Georgia notary is asked to take an acknowledgment from a signer who appears in person but whose identification document has expired. What should the notary do?

  1. Decline the act or use another satisfactory method of identification Correct answer.
  2. Accept the expired document without comment because it still bears a photo
  3. Ask the signer to sign a statement promising to renew the document
  4. Notarize and note that identification was expired

Explanation

The notary must be satisfied as to the signer's identity using a satisfactory method. An expired identification document is generally not reliable evidence of identity, so the notary should decline or rely on another acceptable identification method.

Question 37Georgia Notary Law

In Georgia, which of the following best describes the notary's obligation when a signer appears to be signing under duress?

  1. Decline to perform the notarial act Correct answer.
  2. Notarize and tell the signer to seek legal advice later
  3. Proceed because the signature is still voluntary in form
  4. Reduce the notarial fee to reflect the concern

Explanation

A notary must confirm that the signer acts willingly. If the signer appears to be under duress or coercion, the notary should decline to perform the act rather than certify a signature that may not be voluntary.

Question 38Georgia Notary Law

Which of the following is a proper way for a Georgia notary to complete a notarial certificate?

  1. Attach the seal to a separate sheet of paper
  2. Sign the certificate and affix the seal Correct answer.
  3. Write the signer's name in place of the notary's signature
  4. Leave the certificate undated to allow later completion

Explanation

A complete notarial certificate requires the notary's signature and the official seal or stamp, along with the date and the notary's commission information. The notary must not sign for the signer, leave the certificate incomplete, or place the seal on an unattached separate page.

Question 39Georgia Notary Law

A Georgia notary is asked to perform a notarial act on a document the notary drafted for a friend. What is the notary's proper approach?

  1. Perform the act and disclose the drafting in the journal
  2. Perform the act only if the friend signs a waiver
  3. Perform the act because drafting is unrelated to notarization
  4. Decline to act because of the conflict of interest Correct answer.

Explanation

A notary should not perform a notarial act on a document in which the notary has a beneficial interest or that the notary drafted, because the notary's impartiality is compromised. Declining avoids the conflict.

Question 40Georgia Notary Law

Which of the following best describes a Georgia notary's duty regarding the notary journal?

  1. The journal must be filed with the probate court annually
  2. The journal must be kept for a statutory period and made available to certain officials on request Correct answer.
  3. The journal may be kept only in electronic form
  4. The journal is optional and may be discarded at the notary's discretion

Explanation

Georgia law requires a notary to maintain a journal of notarial acts and to retain it for a specified period. The journal is not optional, is not filed annually with the probate court, and may be kept in paper or electronic form as permitted.

Question 41Georgia Notary Law

A Georgia notary is served with a subpoena for the notary's journal in a civil lawsuit. What should the notary do?

  1. Destroy the journal to protect signer privacy
  2. Respond as required by law and produce the requested records Correct answer.
  3. Provide only the entries for the requesting party
  4. Ignore it because the journal is confidential

Explanation

A subpoena is a legal demand, and the notary must respond as required by law, producing the journal or the relevant entries as ordered. Ignoring or destroying records could result in contempt or obstruction.

Question 42Georgia Notary Law

Which of the following is required when a Georgia notary administers an oath to an affiant?

  1. The notary must witness the affiant's signature in the presence of a third party
  2. The affiant must raise a hand and swear or affirm to the truth of the statement Correct answer.
  3. The notary must read the entire document aloud
  4. The affiant must provide two forms of identification

Explanation

Administering an oath requires the affiant to swear or affirm to the truth of the statement, typically with a raised hand or other customary gesture. The notary need not read the document aloud, require a third-party witness, or demand two forms of identification.

Question 43Georgia Notary Law

A Georgia notary is asked to notarize a signature on a document dated two years in the future. What should the notary do?

  1. Notarize only if the signer explains the date
  2. Decline to notarize until the document date is corrected Correct answer.
  3. Notarize because the date is the signer's responsibility
  4. Notarize and note the discrepancy in the certificate

Explanation

A notary should not notarize a document bearing a date that has not yet occurred, because the notarial certificate would attest to an act that has not taken place as represented. The notary should decline until the document date is corrected.

Question 44Georgia Notary Law

Which of the following statements about a Georgia notary's fee for notarial acts is correct?

  1. The notary may charge a fee only if the signer agrees in writing
  2. The notary may charge only the fee set by statute Correct answer.
  3. The notary may not charge any fee
  4. The notary may charge any amount the market will bear

Explanation

Georgia law sets the maximum fee a notary may charge for a notarial act, and a notary may not exceed that statutory amount. Fees are not open to market negotiation, and notaries are not prohibited from charging the authorized fee.

Question 45Georgia Notary Law

A Georgia notary is asked to certify a copy of a document that is a public record held by a government office. What is the notary's proper response?

  1. Certify the copy and mark it as unofficial
  2. Certify the copy because the notary has seen the original
  3. Decline and direct the requester to the custodian of the record Correct answer.
  4. Certify the copy only if the requester signs a waiver

Explanation

A notary may not certify copies of public records or documents whose certified copies are issued by a custodian of records. The proper response is to decline and direct the requester to the appropriate official.

Question 46Georgia Notary Law

A Georgia notary's commission is revoked. What must the notary do with the official seal?

  1. Continue using it until the end of the original term
  2. Surrender or destroy the seal as directed by law Correct answer.
  3. Transfer the seal to another commissioned notary
  4. Keep the seal for personal records

Explanation

When a commission ends by revocation or expiration, the notary no longer has authority to use the seal and must dispose of it as the law directs. Continuing to use it, transferring it, or retaining it for later use is improper.

Question 47Georgia Notary Law

Which of the following best describes the notary's duty when a signer presents a document that already contains a completed notarial certificate?

  1. The notary may rely on the certificate without verifying the signer
  2. The notary must ignore the existing certificate and create a new one
  3. The notary must remove the certificate and start over
  4. The notary may adopt the existing certificate if it is correct and complete Correct answer.

Explanation

If a document already contains a notarial certificate that correctly states the act performed, the notary may adopt it by completing the required elements, such as signature, seal, and date. The notary must still verify the signer's identity and willingness.

Question 48Georgia Notary Law

A Georgia notary is asked to perform a notarial act outside the state while on vacation. What is the notary's authority to act?

  1. The notary may act anywhere in the United States
  2. The notary may act only within Georgia Correct answer.
  3. The notary may act in any state that recognizes Georgia notaries
  4. The notary may act if the signer is a Georgia resident

Explanation

A Georgia notary's commission authorizes notarial acts within the state of Georgia. Performing notarial acts outside Georgia exceeds the notary's authority, even if the signer is a Georgia resident.

Question 49Georgia Notary Law

Which of the following is a proper practice for a Georgia notary who must correct an error in a journal entry?

  1. Erase the error so the entry looks clean
  2. Cover the error with correction fluid
  3. Draw a line through the error, note the correction, and initial it Correct answer.
  4. Remove the page and rewrite the entry

Explanation

Journal entries should remain permanent and unaltered; errors are corrected by striking through, noting the correction, and initialing, so the record shows what was changed. Erasing, removing pages, or using correction fluid undermines the integrity of the record.

Question 50Georgia Notary Law

A Georgia notary is asked to notarize a signature for a person who is unable to appear in person but sends a signed document by mail. What should the notary do?

  1. Notarize only if a witness confirms the signature
  2. Notarize and mail the document back to the signer
  3. Decline because the signer is not present before the notary Correct answer.
  4. Notarize the document because the signature is already present

Explanation

Traditional notarial acts in Georgia require the signer to appear personally before the notary so the notary can verify identity and willingness. A mailed document without the signer's appearance does not satisfy that requirement.