Ohio Notary Practice Exam

What is NOT a requirement for witnessing or attesting signatures?

1. Signer must appear before you

2. Signer must sign in your presence

3. You must administer an oath

4. Identify the signer

The correct answer is: You must administer an oath

The correct answer is that administering an oath is not a requirement for witnessing or attesting signatures. When a notary acts as a witness for a signature, the primary responsibilities include ensuring that the signer appears before the notary and that the signer signs the document in the presence of the notary. Identifying the signer is also critical to confirm that the individual is who they claim to be, ensuring the integrity of the notarization process. Administering an oath is typically associated with certain notarial acts, such as taking an affidavit or a sworn statement. In the context of merely witnessing or attesting to a signature, there is no legal obligation for the notary to administer an oath. This distinction clarifies the scope of the notary's role in various situations, emphasizing that witnessing does not inherently require an oath, but it does involve the verification of identity and the act of signing in the notary's presence.