Free Secretary of State’s Notary Public Examination Practice Questions

Sample Practice Questions

Try these 10 sample questions from the Secretary of State’s Notary Public Examination practice bank. Each includes the answer and explanation. Continue with the interactive practice above to review the full question set.

1. 1An Oregon Notary Public applicant is 17 years old on the application date. Which qualification is not yet met?

   1. A. Minimum age
   2. B. English literacy
   3. C. Oregon connection
   4. D. Training completion

   Answer: A

   Explanation: The Guide states that an applicant must “Be 18 years of age or older.” At age 17, the applicant fails the minimum-age requirement.

   Reference: Oregon Notary Public Guide — ORS 194.315(2)(a)

2. 2An applicant’s ID shows Morgan Elise Reed. Which commission name normally satisfies Oregon’s rule?

   1. A. Morgan E. Reed
   2. B. M. Elise Reed
   3. C. Morgan Elise Reed
   4. D. Morgan Reed

   Answer: C

   Explanation: The Guide states, “Your commission name MUST BE your full legal name: first name, middle name(s), and last name.”

   Reference: Oregon Notary Public Guide — OAR 503-378-4170

3. 3A Washington resident works every weekday in Portland and seeks an Oregon notary commission. Which residency rule applies?

   1. A. Oregon residence is mandatory
   2. B. Oregon employment or practice qualifies
   3. C. Any U.S. residence qualifies
   4. D. County residence is mandatory

   Answer: B

   Explanation: The Guide allows an applicant to “Be a resident of Oregon or have a place of employment or practice in this state.” The Portland job satisfies the alternative.

   Reference: Oregon Notary Public Guide — ORS 194.315(2)(b)

4. 4A commissioned notary changes the public records address on file. How quickly must the Secretary of State be notified?

   1. A. Within 10 days
   2. B. Within 30 days
   3. C. Within 60 days
   4. D. Within 90 days

   Answer: B

   Explanation: OAR 160-100-0170, as summarized in the Guide, requires notification “within thirty (30) days” after a public contact address change.

   Reference: Oregon Notary Public Guide — OAR 160-100-0170; 2024 Notary Public Guide, p. 19

5. 5What consent is an Oregon applicant considered to give by signing the notary commission application?

   1. A. Consent for the employer to retain the stamp
   2. B. Consent to waive every notarial fee
   3. C. Consent for the state criminal-history investigation
   4. D. Consent for customers to inspect the journal

   Answer: C

   Explanation: ORS 194.370 provides that signing the application gives “the consent necessary for purposes of subsection (1),” which authorizes the requested state investigation of the applicant.

   Reference: Oregon Revised Statutes — ORS 194.360

6. 6An employer bought an employee-notary’s stamp and journal. Who owns the stamp during the commission?

   1. A. The employer
   2. B. The notary
   3. C. The Secretary of State
   4. D. The stamp vendor

   Answer: B

   Explanation: The Guide says the journal and stamping device “are the exclusive property of the notary, no matter who pays for them.”

   Reference: Oregon Notary Public Guide — OAR 503-378-4170

7. 7An Oregon commission application contains a fraudulent material omission. What action may the Secretary of State take?

   1. A. Require the stamp vendor to correct the application
   2. B. Transfer the decision to the county recorder
   3. C. Accept it after the applicant posts a fee schedule
   4. D. Deny, revoke, suspend, or condition the commission

   Answer: D

   Explanation: ORS 194.340 lists “A fraudulent, dishonest or deceitful misstatement or omission in the application” as a ground to deny, revoke, suspend, or condition a commission.

   Reference: Oregon Revised Statutes — ORS 194.325

8. 8When may an employer retain an employee-notary’s journal after employment ends?

   1. A. Whenever the employer paid for it
   2. B. When a journal agreement was signed
   3. C. Whenever the journal contains office work
   4. D. When the stamp is also retained

   Answer: B

   Explanation: The Guide says the journal remains with the notary “unless the notary and employer have entered into a journal agreement.”

   Reference: Oregon Notary Public Guide — OAR 503-378-4170

9. 9Beyond authority to perform notarial acts, what public-official protection does an Oregon notary commission confer?

   1. A. The same immunity as every state employee
   2. B. An automatic state-funded surety bond
   3. C. No immunity or public-official benefit
   4. D. Authority to practice law for customers

   Answer: C

   Explanation: ORS 194.315 states, “The commission does not provide the notary public any immunity or benefit” conferred on Oregon public officials or employees.

   Reference: Oregon Revised Statutes — ORS 194.285

10. 10After a third incorrect notarization, what does the Guide say the notary must do to avoid suspension?

    1. A. Pay a new application fee within 10 days
    2. B. Take basic training within 30 days
    3. C. Retake the exam within 60 days
    4. D. Replace the stamp within 90 days

    Answer: B

    Explanation: The Guide says that after the third advice letter, the notary must “take the basic training within 30 days” or the commission will be suspended.

    Reference: Oregon Notary Public Guide — OAR 503-378-4170