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Mississippi Notary study materials
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Mississippi Notary practice questions

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Question 1Notary Public Commissioning and Regulation

Which officer in Mississippi holds the statutory authority to issue a notary public commission?

  1. The Secretary of State Correct answer.
  2. The chancery clerk of the applicant's county
  3. The circuit clerk of the applicant's county
  4. The Governor

Explanation

Mississippi law places the appointing and commissioning authority for notaries public with the Secretary of State, who administers applications, commissions, and the statewide notary records. The Governor and county clerks have no role in issuing a notary commission.

Question 2Notary Public Commissioning and Regulation

An applicant for a Mississippi notary commission must meet which minimum age requirement?

  1. Twenty-five years of age
  2. Twenty-one years of age
  3. Eighteen years of age Correct answer.
  4. Sixteen years of age

Explanation

Mississippi requires a notary applicant to be at least eighteen years old, along with other qualifications such as residency and legal competency. Sixteen is too young, and the higher ages reflect no statutory threshold.

Question 3Notary Public Commissioning and Regulation

Before a new notary commission takes effect, Mississippi requires the applicant to do which of the following?

  1. Obtain a commission and take the oath of office Correct answer.
  2. Pass a written examination administered by the state
  3. Publish notice in a local newspaper
  4. Post a surety bond with the chancery clerk

Explanation

A Mississippi notary must receive the commission and then take and file the official oath before exercising notarial powers. Bonding and newspaper publication are not prerequisites, and the state does not impose a written entrance examination for the commission itself.

Question 4Notary Public Commissioning and Regulation

A Mississippi notary's commission term is best described as which of the following?

  1. Four years, running with the Secretary of State's term
  2. Two years, renewed automatically
  3. A fixed term set by statute and subject to reappointment Correct answer.
  4. Life, unless revoked for misconduct

Explanation

Mississippi commissions notaries for a fixed statutory term, after which the notary must apply for reappointment to continue serving. The commission is neither automatic nor lifelong, and it does not simply track another official's term.

Question 5Notary Public Commissioning and Regulation

A notary moves from one Mississippi county to another and wishes to keep the commission. What is the proper action?

  1. Notify the Secretary of State of the address change Correct answer.
  2. Take a new oath before the chancery clerk of the new county
  3. Do nothing, because the commission is void on any move
  4. Surrender the commission and apply as a new applicant

Explanation

A notary who changes residence should notify the Secretary of State so the official record reflects the current address. The commission is not automatically voided by a move, and a full new application is unnecessary for a simple change of address.

Question 6Notary Public Commissioning and Regulation

Which statement accurately describes the geographic scope of a Mississippi notary's authority?

  1. The notary may act only inside the county of residence
  2. The notary may act only within the county named on the seal
  3. The notary may act anywhere in Mississippi Correct answer.
  4. The notary may act in any state that recognizes Mississippi commissions

Explanation

A Mississippi notary is a state officer whose authority extends throughout Mississippi, not merely the home county. Authority does not extend into other states, where separate recognition rules apply.

Question 7Notary Public Commissioning and Regulation

A Mississippi notary is asked to notarize a document in a matter in which the notary stands to inherit money. What should the notary do?

  1. Proceed, because the notary personally knows the signer
  2. Proceed, but note the relationship in the certificate
  3. Decline only if the signer objects
  4. Decline, because of a disqualifying conflict of interest Correct answer.

Explanation

A notary may not act in a transaction in which the notary has a direct beneficial interest, because the impartiality of the act would be compromised. Personal familiarity with the signer does not cure the conflict, and disclosure in the certificate does not make the act proper.

Question 8Notary Public Commissioning and Regulation

How does Mississippi treat the use of a notary commission to solicit or promote business?

  1. It is permitted if the notary's name is printed clearly
  2. It is permitted with written approval from the Secretary of State
  3. It is permitted only for real estate services
  4. It is prohibited as an improper use of the commission Correct answer.

Explanation

A notary commission is a public trust, and using the title or powers to advertise or drum up business is an improper use of the office. Clear labeling or a particular industry does not convert prohibited solicitation into permissible conduct.

Question 9Notary Public Commissioning and Regulation

Which of the following is a ground on which Mississippi may revoke or suspend a notary commission?

  1. Knowingly executing a false notarial certificate Correct answer.
  2. Declining to serve a customer after hours
  3. Charging a permitted notarial fee
  4. Refusing to notarize a document outside the notary's authority

Explanation

Knowingly making a false certificate is official misconduct and supports discipline, including revocation or suspension. Charging an authorized fee, properly declining an act beyond one's authority, and setting business hours are all lawful.

Question 10Notary Public Commissioning and Regulation

A Mississippi notary's commission is revoked by the Secretary of State. What is the effect on notarial acts the notary performed before the revocation?

  1. Earlier acts are valid only if re-executed within thirty days
  2. Earlier acts are valid only if a court ratifies them
  3. All earlier acts become void retroactively
  4. Earlier acts remain valid because the notary was commissioned when they were performed Correct answer.

Explanation

Revocation operates prospectively; acts performed while the commission was in force were authorized and remain valid. The state does not retroactively void properly performed acts, and no re-execution or court ratification is required.

Question 11Notary Public Commissioning and Regulation

Which body of law principally governs the powers and duties of Mississippi notaries public?

  1. Federal regulations issued by the Department of State
  2. The Mississippi Code provisions on notaries public Correct answer.
  3. The Mississippi Rules of Civil Procedure
  4. County ordinances adopted by the board of supervisors

Explanation

The Mississippi Code contains the statutory framework for notaries public, addressing commissioning, powers, fees, and discipline. Court procedure rules, federal regulations, and county ordinances do not supply the general notary law.

Question 12Notary Public Commissioning and Regulation

An applicant for a Mississippi notary commission must demonstrate which of the following regarding legal status?

  1. Lawful residency and legal ability to perform the duties Correct answer.
  2. Membership in a professional association
  3. United States citizenship only
  4. Ownership of real property in the county

Explanation

Mississippi requires the applicant to be a lawful resident able to carry out notarial duties, rather than demanding citizenship, association membership, or property ownership. These latter items are not statutory qualifications.

Question 13Notary Public Commissioning and Regulation

A notary's commission lapses because the notary forgot to seek reappointment. The notary continues to notarize documents. What is the notary's legal position?

  1. The acts are valid if the signer believed the notary was commissioned
  2. The notary is acting without authority and may face penalties Correct answer.
  3. The acts are valid because the notary once held a commission
  4. The acts are valid but the notary owes a late renewal fee

Explanation

Once a commission lapses, the person no longer holds notarial authority, and continuing to act is unauthorized practice subject to penalties. A prior commission or the signer's belief does not supply authority that has ended.

Question 14Notary Public Commissioning and Regulation

How does Mississippi generally handle the fee a notary may charge for a notarial act?

  1. A fee set by statute, with excess charges subject to discipline Correct answer.
  2. A fee fixed by the county board of supervisors
  3. No fee may ever be charged for a notarial act
  4. Any fee the notary and signer negotiate

Explanation

Mississippi law sets the allowable charge for notarial acts, and demanding more than the statutory amount can lead to discipline. Fees are not open to free negotiation, county-by-county variation, or an absolute ban.

Question 15Notary Public Commissioning and Regulation

A Mississippi notary wants to notarize the signature of a close family member on a routine affidavit with no financial interest involved. What is the proper course?

  1. The notary must obtain the Secretary of State's written permission first
  2. The notary is absolutely barred from notarizing for any relative
  3. The notary may perform the act if identity is properly verified and no disqualifying interest exists Correct answer.
  4. The notary must have a second notary co-sign the certificate

Explanation

Mississippi does not impose an absolute ban on notarizing for relatives; the controlling question is whether the notary has a disqualifying beneficial interest and can verify identity. No prior state permission or co-signature is required for an otherwise proper act.

Question 16Notary Public Commissioning and Regulation

What is the primary purpose of requiring a notary to take an oath of office?

  1. To satisfy a federal licensing requirement
  2. To generate revenue for the county
  3. To bind the notary to faithfully perform the duties of the office Correct answer.
  4. To transfer authority from the Governor to the notary

Explanation

The oath solemnly commits the notary to faithfully discharge the duties of the office before exercising notarial powers. It is not a revenue measure, a transfer of authority, or a federal licensing step.

Question 17Notary Public Commissioning and Regulation

Which record does a Mississippi notary most commonly maintain as part of the official duties of the office?

  1. A copy of every document signed in the county
  2. A journal of notarial acts performed Correct answer.
  3. A ledger of the notary's personal investments
  4. A register of all voters in the precinct

Explanation

Notaries keep a journal recording the notarial acts they perform, which supports accountability and later verification. Personal financial records, copies of all county documents, and voter registers are unrelated to the notary office.

Question 18Notary Public Commissioning and Regulation

A Mississippi notary is convicted of a felony involving dishonesty. What is the most likely consequence for the commission?

  1. Suspension only until the appeal is decided
  2. No effect, because the conviction is a personal matter
  3. Automatic loss of eligibility and possible revocation of the commission Correct answer.
  4. A fine paid to the county, with the commission retained

Explanation

A conviction for a crime involving dishonesty undermines the trust required of a notary and can result in loss of eligibility and revocation. The commission is not insulated from such conduct, and a mere county fine does not preserve it.

Question 19Notary Public Commissioning and Regulation

Which statement best describes the relationship between a Mississippi notary commission and the notary's employer?

  1. The commission automatically expands to cover all coworkers
  2. The commission is personal to the notary and does not transfer with a job change Correct answer.
  3. The commission ends whenever the notary changes employers
  4. The commission belongs to the employer, who may reassign it

Explanation

A notary commission is granted to an individual and remains that person's own, so it does not transfer to an employer or expand to cover coworkers. Changing jobs does not itself terminate the commission.

Question 20Notary Public Commissioning and Regulation

An out-of-state applicant with no Mississippi residence asks whether a Mississippi notary commission can be issued. What is the correct answer?

  1. No, because only attorneys may be commissioned
  2. No, because Mississippi requires the notary to be a resident of the state Correct answer.
  3. Yes, because residency is irrelevant to commissioning
  4. Yes, if the applicant pays an additional nonresident fee

Explanation

Mississippi ties eligibility to residency, so a person who does not reside in the state generally cannot be commissioned as a Mississippi notary. Payment of an extra fee does not substitute for residency, and the office is open to qualified non-attorneys.

Question 21Notary Public Commissioning and Regulation

A notary's official seal is stolen and used by another person to notarize documents. How does Mississippi law generally view the notary's responsibility?

  1. The notary is automatically liable for every forged act
  2. The notary must safeguard the seal and report its loss to authorities Correct answer.
  3. The notary must immediately resign the commission
  4. The notary bears no duty because the seal was stolen

Explanation

A notary is expected to safeguard the official seal and to report its loss or theft so that misuse can be addressed. Automatic liability for every forged act and forced resignation are not the rule, but ignoring a stolen seal is not acceptable either.

Question 22Notary Public Commissioning and Regulation

Which action by a Mississippi notary would most clearly exceed the authority granted by the commission?

  1. Administering an oath to an affiant
  2. Certifying a copy of a document where authorized
  3. Giving legal advice about how to draft a will Correct answer.
  4. Taking an acknowledgment of a deed

Explanation

A notary's authority covers acts such as administering oaths, taking acknowledgments, and certifying copies where permitted, but not the practice of law. Advising a signer how to draft a will crosses into legal advice outside the commission.

Question 23Notary Public Commissioning and Regulation

A Mississippi notary is asked to perform a notarial act on a document written in a language the notary does not understand. What is the sound practice?

  1. Proceed without concern, because understanding the document is unnecessary
  2. Decline unless the notary can properly identify the signer and complete the certificate Correct answer.
  3. Sign the document personally to attest to its contents
  4. Ask the signer to translate only the signature line

Explanation

A notary certifies identity and the fact of the act, not the truth of the document's contents, but the notary still must be able to identify the signer and complete a proper certificate. Signing the document or relying on a partial translation is improper.

Question 24Notary Public Commissioning and Regulation

Which of the following best explains why Mississippi regulates notaries through a central state office rather than leaving commissioning to local officials?

  1. To comply with a treaty obligation
  2. To prevent counties from recording deeds
  3. To shift costs from counties to the state budget
  4. To keep a uniform statewide record of who holds a commission Correct answer.

Explanation

Centralized commissioning under the Secretary of State produces a uniform statewide record of commissioned notaries, which supports verification and discipline. The purpose is not cost shifting, blocking county recording, or treaty compliance.

Question 25Notary Public Commissioning and Regulation

A person commissioned as a Mississippi notary wishes to resign the office. What is the appropriate step?

  1. Simply stop performing notarial acts without telling anyone
  2. Wait for the commission to expire on its own
  3. Return the commission to the county board of supervisors
  4. Notify the Secretary of State of the resignation Correct answer.

Explanation

A notary who resigns should notify the Secretary of State so the official record reflects that the commission is no longer active. Silent abandonment, returning the commission to a county board, or waiting out the term leaves the state record inaccurate.

Question 26Notary Public Commissioning and Regulation

In Mississippi, which official is responsible for issuing and regulating notary public commissions?

  1. The Governor
  2. The Secretary of State Correct answer.
  3. The chancery clerk of the notary's county
  4. The Attorney General

Explanation

Mississippi law centralizes the commissioning and oversight of notaries public in the Secretary of State, who maintains the official register and enforces the Notary Public Act. Other statewide officers and county officials do not issue notary commissions.

Question 27Notary Public Commissioning and Regulation

What is the standard term of office for a Mississippi notary public commission?

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

Explanation

A Mississippi notary commission runs for a four-year term, after which the notary must apply for reappointment to continue exercising notarial powers. The term is fixed by statute and is not measured by the notary's employment or county tenure.

Question 28Notary Public Commissioning and Regulation

Which document must an applicant generally submit to the Mississippi Secretary of State as part of a notary commission application?

  1. A letter of recommendation from a circuit judge
  2. A surety bond or equivalent financial assurance Correct answer.
  3. A certificate of good standing from a local bar association
  4. A copy of the applicant's voter registration card

Explanation

Mississippi requires a notary applicant to provide a surety bond in the amount set by statute, payable to the state, to protect the public against misconduct. Judicial recommendations, bar certificates, and voter cards are not statutory application components.

Question 29Notary Public Commissioning and Regulation

An applicant for a Mississippi notary commission must meet which age requirement?

  1. At least 18 years old Correct answer.
  2. At least 25 years old
  3. At least 30 years old
  4. At least 21 years old

Explanation

Mississippi sets the minimum age for a notary commission at 18, consistent with the age of majority for contractual and official responsibilities. Higher age thresholds are not imposed on notary applicants.

Question 30Notary Public Commissioning and Regulation

Before performing notarial acts, a newly commissioned Mississippi notary must generally do which of the following?

  1. Register with the county tax assessor
  2. Take and file an oath of office and obtain an official seal Correct answer.
  3. Publish a notice in a local newspaper
  4. Join a professional notary association

Explanation

A Mississippi notary must take the oath of office, file it as required, and obtain an official seal before acting in the office. Association membership, newspaper publication, and tax assessor registration are not conditions of exercising notarial authority.

Question 31Notary Public Commissioning and Regulation

Which item must appear on the official seal of a Mississippi notary public?

  1. The notary's commission expiration date
  2. The words 'Notary Public' and the notary's name Correct answer.
  3. The name of the notary's employer
  4. The notary's home street address

Explanation

Mississippi requires the notary seal to identify the notary by name and to include the words 'Notary Public' along with the state and commission information prescribed by statute. A home address or employer name is not a required seal element.

Question 32Notary Public Commissioning and Regulation

A Mississippi notary moves to a new residence in another county within the state. What is the notary's obligation regarding the Secretary of State?

  1. The notary must surrender the commission and reapply
  2. No action is required because the commission is statewide
  3. The notary must file a change of address with the Secretary of State Correct answer.
  4. The notary must obtain a new bond from the new county

Explanation

A Mississippi notary must keep the Secretary of State informed of a current address so official notices and service can reach the notary. A move within the state does not automatically void the commission or require a new bond.

Question 33Notary Public Commissioning and Regulation

Which statement accurately describes the bond required of a Mississippi notary public?

  1. It replaces the need for a notary seal
  2. It is optional and only needed for real estate documents
  3. It is paid by the county and never by the notary
  4. It protects the public against losses caused by notary misconduct Correct answer.

Explanation

The notary bond is a financial guarantee that a person harmed by a notary's official misconduct may recover against, up to the bond amount. It is mandatory, is not a substitute for the seal, and is generally procured at the notary's expense.

Question 34Notary Public Commissioning and Regulation

A Mississippi notary commission is a personal appointment. Which statement best reflects that principle?

  1. The notary alone may perform notarial acts and remains responsible for them Correct answer.
  2. The notary may delegate notarial duties to an assistant during vacation
  3. The notary's spouse may use the seal for family business
  4. The notary's employer may direct the notary to notarize any document the employer chooses

Explanation

A Mississippi notary commission authorizes the named individual to perform notarial acts; the authority cannot be delegated or borrowed by an employer, assistant, or family member. The notary remains personally accountable for each act and for custody of the seal.

Question 35Notary Public Commissioning and Regulation

Which circumstance would most likely disqualify an applicant from receiving a Mississippi notary commission?

  1. The applicant has a prior felony conviction that has not been pardoned Correct answer.
  2. The applicant has never served on a jury
  3. The applicant works for a bank
  4. The applicant lives in a rental apartment

Explanation

Mississippi law addresses criminal history in assessing fitness for a notary commission, and an unpardoned felony conviction is a significant disqualifying factor. Employment in banking, renting a home, or lack of jury service does not bar commissioning.

Question 36Notary Public Commissioning and Regulation

How does a Mississippi notary renew the commission before it expires?

  1. By paying a fee to the circuit court
  2. By submitting a new application and bond to the Secretary of State Correct answer.
  3. By asking the chancery clerk to extend the term
  4. By automatically continuing in office without any filing

Explanation

Reappointment requires a fresh application, a current bond, and compliance with the Secretary of State's procedures; the commission does not renew automatically. County clerks and circuit courts do not extend notary terms.

Question 37Notary Public Commissioning and Regulation

A Mississippi notary’s commission expires on June 30, and the notary continues to notarize documents on July 5 without reappointment. What is the legal status of the July 5 notarial act?

  1. It is valid if the notary's bond is still in force
  2. It is valid because the notary was previously commissioned
  3. It is valid if the signer did not notice the expiration
  4. It is invalid because the notary lacked authority on that date Correct answer.

Explanation

Notarial authority ends when the commission expires, so an act performed afterward is outside the notary's authority and is subject to challenge. A stale bond or the signer's lack of awareness cannot restore authority that has lapsed.

Question 38Notary Public Commissioning and Regulation

Which action would the Mississippi Secretary of State most likely treat as grounds for disciplinary action against a notary?

  1. Notarizing a document without the signer appearing before the notary Correct answer.
  2. Keeping a journal of notarial acts
  3. Charging the statutory fee for an acknowledgment
  4. Declining to notarize a document the notary does not understand

Explanation

A notary must personally witness the signer's appearance and identify the signer; notarizing without appearance is a serious violation that can lead to suspension or revocation. Charging allowed fees, keeping a journal, and declining an incomprehensible document are proper practices.

Question 39Notary Public Commissioning and Regulation

What must a Mississippi notary do upon learning that the official seal has been lost or stolen?

  1. Notify the Secretary of State and take steps to prevent misuse Correct answer.
  2. Continue notarizing until a replacement arrives
  3. Post a notice only at the county courthouse
  4. Ask a colleague to lend a seal temporarily

Explanation

A lost or stolen seal creates a risk of forged notarizations, so the notary must report the loss to the Secretary of State and guard against misuse. Borrowing another notary's seal or continuing without a seal is improper.

Question 40Notary Public Commissioning and Regulation

Which statement best describes the notary's duty regarding the notarial certificate?

  1. The certificate must accurately reflect the act performed and the notary's official information Correct answer.
  2. The certificate is optional if the signer has identification
  3. The notary may sign a blank certificate for later completion by the signer
  4. The notary may complete a certificate for a document the notary has not reviewed

Explanation

The notarial certificate is the notary's official representation of what occurred, so it must truthfully state the act, date, and other required details. Signing blank certificates or certifying without review undermines the integrity of the act.

Question 41Notary Public Commissioning and Regulation

A Mississippi notary is asked to perform a notarial act for a document that will be used in another state. What is the notary's authority?

  1. The notary may notarize only if the other state's governor approves
  2. The notary may notarize because the commission is not limited to documents used in Mississippi Correct answer.
  3. The notary may notarize only if the signer is a Mississippi resident
  4. The notary must first obtain a Mississippi court order

Explanation

A Mississippi notary's authority relates to the place where the act is performed, not the destination of the document, so documents intended for out-of-state use may be notarized. No governor's approval, court order, or residency condition applies.

Question 42Notary Public Commissioning and Regulation

Which statement about a Mississippi notary's journal of notarial acts is most accurate?

  1. The journal is public record and must be posted online
  2. The journal may be kept in any format and is never subject to inspection
  3. The journal replaces the need for a notarial certificate
  4. The journal should record the date, the parties, and the type of act for each notarization Correct answer.

Explanation

A notary journal is a chronological record containing details such as the date, the signer, and the type of notarial act, which supports accountability and helps investigate fraud. It is not a substitute for the certificate and is not required to be posted publicly.

Question 43Notary Public Commissioning and Regulation

A Mississippi notary is also a licensed attorney. How does the notary commission interact with the attorney's law practice?

  1. The notary must avoid notarizing where the notary has a disqualifying interest and must follow notary rules Correct answer.
  2. The attorney may notarize any document without restriction because of the law license
  3. The attorney may charge a separate notary fee not allowed to other notaries
  4. The attorney's notary commission is automatically suspended while practicing law

Explanation

A law license does not expand the notary's authority; the attorney-notary remains bound by the same disqualification, fee, and conduct rules as any other notary. The commission is not suspended by law practice, and no special fee privilege exists.

Question 44Notary Public Commissioning and Regulation

Which situation would most likely create a prohibited conflict of interest for a Mississippi notary?

  1. Notarizing a neighbor's affidavit for a nominal fee
  2. Notarizing a document for a stranger who appears with identification
  3. Notarizing a document in which the notary is a named beneficiary Correct answer.
  4. Notarizing a document for a coworker at the coworker's request

Explanation

A notary may not perform a notarial act in a transaction in which the notary has a direct financial or beneficial interest, because the notary's impartiality is compromised. Ordinary transactions with neighbors, coworkers, or strangers do not by themselves create a prohibited interest.

Question 45Notary Public Commissioning and Regulation

What is the effect of a Mississippi notary's resignation from the commission?

  1. The notary may continue to perform notarial acts until the term ends
  2. The resignation is ineffective unless approved by a court
  3. The resignation ends the notary's authority to act as a notary Correct answer.
  4. The resignation automatically transfers the commission to the notary's employer

Explanation

Resigning the commission terminates the notary's authority to perform notarial acts, and the notary should notify the Secretary of State and dispose of the seal appropriately. A commission is personal and cannot be transferred to an employer or kept active after resignation.

Question 46Notary Public Commissioning and Regulation

Which statement best explains why Mississippi requires notaries to be commissioned by the state rather than appointed locally?

  1. To allow counties to collect additional fees from notaries
  2. To prevent notaries from serving more than one county
  3. To ensure uniform standards and centralized accountability for notarial acts Correct answer.
  4. To give the Governor direct control over notarial appointments

Explanation

Centralized commissioning through the Secretary of State promotes consistent qualifications, recordkeeping, and discipline across the state, which supports the reliability of notarial acts. County fee collection, county limits, and gubernatorial control are not the rationale for state commissioning.

Question 47Notary Public Commissioning and Regulation

A Mississippi notary is asked to notarize a signature on a document that the notary knows is intended to defraud a third party. What is the notary's proper course of action?

  1. Refuse to perform the notarial act Correct answer.
  2. Perform the act if the signer pays double the statutory fee
  3. Perform the act but note the suspicion in the journal
  4. Perform the act and report the fraud afterward

Explanation

A notary must not participate in a transaction the notary knows to be fraudulent, because doing so violates the notary's duty of integrity and may expose the notary to civil and criminal liability. Journal notes, extra fees, or later reporting do not cure participation in fraud.

Question 48Notary Public Commissioning and Regulation

Which record-keeping obligation applies to a Mississippi notary who performs notarial acts?

  1. The notary must send copies of all documents to the county sheriff
  2. The notary must publish a monthly list of all notarizations in a newspaper
  3. The notary must file every notarial certificate with the Secretary of State within 24 hours
  4. The notary should maintain records or a journal sufficient to document notarial acts performed Correct answer.

Explanation

Mississippi expects notaries to keep adequate records of their official acts, often in a journal, to support accountability and assist in investigations. There is no requirement to file every certificate with the state, publish lists, or send documents to law enforcement.

Question 49Notary Public Commissioning and Regulation

A Mississippi notary’s commission is suspended for misconduct. What is the notary’s status during the suspension?

  1. The notary may perform notarial acts only for family members
  2. The notary may perform acts if the signer signs a waiver
  3. The notary may not perform notarial acts during the suspension Correct answer.
  4. The notary may continue to act because suspension is only a warning

Explanation

A suspension removes the notary's authority to perform notarial acts for the duration of the suspension, and acting during that period would be unauthorized. The notary cannot avoid the suspension through family exceptions or signer waivers.

Question 50Notary Public Commissioning and Regulation

Which statement about the notary's oath of office in Mississippi is correct?

  1. The oath is administered only by the Governor
  2. The oath replaces the requirement to obtain a bond
  3. The oath is optional for notaries who work for the government
  4. The oath is a pledge to faithfully perform the duties of the office Correct answer.

Explanation

The notary's oath of office is a formal pledge to faithfully and impartially perform the duties of the notarial office. It is not optional for government employees, is not administered exclusively by the Governor, and does not substitute for the bond.