Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for Notary Public – 2025

Preparing for a notary public job interview? This guide provides a list of essential questions and answers that will help you showcase your professional expertise, communication skills, and knowledge of legal documents. Whether you’re applying for a role as a notary public in a law firm, bank, or government agency, these questions cover all key areas of the job.

General Questions

• 1. Tell us about your experience as a notary public.
  As a notary public, I have been certified by the state to witness and authenticate documents and administer oaths and affirmations. I have been serving in this role for 5 years, working with various types of legal documents such as deeds, wills, and contracts.
• 2. What inspired you to become a notary public?
  I have always had a passion for law and helping people. Being a notary public allows me to combine both of these interests and make a positive impact in my community.
• 3. How do you stay updated on notary laws and regulations?
  I regularly attend seminars and workshops to stay updated on any changes in notary laws and regulations. I also subscribe to online resources and networks with other notary public professionals to stay informed.
• 4. How do you handle difficult or confusing notarization requests?
  I approach the situation with patience and attention to detail. I make sure to thoroughly review the document and ask clarifying questions if needed. I also consult with other notary public professionals for guidance if I encounter a situation that I am not familiar with.
• 5. What qualities do you possess that make you a good notary public?
  I believe my attention to detail, professional demeanor, and strong communication skills make me a good notary public. I also have a strong understanding and adherence to notary laws and regulations.

Technical Skills & Experience

• 6. Can you walk us through the process of notarizing a document?
  Firstly, I review the document and ensure that it is complete and contains no blank spaces. Then, I check the identification of the signers and make sure their signatures match the ones on the document. I then administer the necessary oaths or affirmations and complete the notarial certificate with all required information.
• 7. Have you encountered any issues with rejected notarizations? How did you handle it?
  Yes, I have encountered issues with rejected notarizations in the past. In such situations, I carefully review the document and make sure all necessary requirements are met. If not, I explain the issue to the signer and guide them through the steps to rectify it.
• 8. What precautions do you take to prevent fraud or errors during notarization?
  I always verify the identity of the signers and carefully review the document before notarizing it. I also make sure to keep a record of all notarizations and maintain confidentiality at all times.
• 9. How do you handle a situation where there is a language barrier between you and a signer?
  In such cases, I make sure to have a witness present who is fluent in both English and the signer's preferred language. I also refer the signer to a notary who speaks their language if necessary.
• 10. Have you been involved in notarizing complex or unusual documents? How did you handle it?
  Yes, I have encountered complex and unusual documents in the past. In such situations, I make sure to thoroughly review the document and consult with legal professionals if needed to ensure the notarization is accurate and valid.

Behavioral Questions

• 11. Can you tell us about a time when you encountered a difficult client during a notarization?
  During a notarization, a client became agitated and refused to follow the necessary steps for notarization. I remained calm and professional, explaining the process and addressing their concerns. Eventually, the notarization was completed successfully, and the client left satisfied.
• 12. How do you handle situations where a document may be fraudulent?
  If I suspect a document may be fraudulent, I refuse to notarize it and report the issue to the authorities. I also maintain confidentiality and follow all necessary procedures in such cases.
• 13. Tell us about a time when you made a mistake during notarization.
  During a notarization, I accidentally forgot to write down the date on the notarial certificate. I immediately caught the error and rectified it with the signer's permission. I also reported it to my superiors and took extra care to prevent such mistakes in the future.
• 14. How do you prioritize and manage your time when handling multiple notarization requests?
  I prioritize based on urgency and plan my schedule accordingly. I also make sure to communicate with clients and colleagues to avoid any scheduling conflicts. If needed, I can also delegate tasks to my colleagues to ensure timely completion of notarizations.
• 15. How do you handle a situation where a signer is unable to physically sign the document?
  In such cases, I make sure to follow any special procedures for notarization required by state laws. I also make sure to have the signer provide alternative forms of identification and document the reasons for their inability to physically sign.

Situational Questions

• 16. How do you handle a situation where a client requests notarization for a document that is incomplete or incorrect?
  I make sure to explain the issue to the client and guide them through the steps to correct the document. If necessary, I also reach out to the issuing party for clarification or correction. I do not proceed with notarization until the document is complete and correct.
• 17. How would you handle a situation where you suspect the signers are being coerced or pressured to sign a document?
  If I suspect any coercion or pressure, I would immediately stop the notarization process and communicate my concerns to the signer. If necessary, I would also notify the authorities and document the incident.
• 18. What would you do if you were presented with a document that had already been signed and dated?
  If the document has already been signed and dated, it cannot be notarized. In such a situation, I would have the signer provide a new, unsigned version of the document and proceed with notarization following all necessary steps.
• 19. How would you handle a client's request to notarize a document outside of your notary commission expiration date?
  I would explain to the client that I am not authorized to notarize documents outside of my commission expiration date. I would also suggest seeking the services of another notary who is currently commissioned.
• 20. What would you do if you were presented with a document that you have personally prepared?
  In such cases, I would make it clear that I cannot notarize a document I have personally prepared. I would refer the client to another notary or have a colleague notarize the document, as it would be a conflict of interest for me to notarize it.