Ohio Notary Practice Exam

What document accompanies notarized papers being used out-of-state to prove the notary's authority?

1. The notary's personal ID

2. A state issued notary identification card

3. Authentication

4. The original application for notarization

The correct answer is: Authentication

The document that accompanies notarized papers being used out-of-state to prove the notary's authority is a document of authentication. This is because when notarized papers are used out-of-state, they may not be recognized as valid without authentication. This document provides an official confirmation from the notary's state of commission that verifies the notary's authority to perform notarization and ensures that the notarized document will be accepted in the out-of-state jurisdiction. The other options, such as the notary's personal ID and the original application for notarization, may only prove the identity of the notary but do not necessarily prove their authority to notarize. A state issued notary identification card may also only serve as a form of identification and not as proof of authority. Thus, the most appropriate document in this situation would be a document of authentication.