Florida Notary Practice Exam

What action follows identifying the person in the notarizing process?

1. Check the notarial certificate

2. Administer the oath or take acknowledgment

3. Complete the jurat or certificate

4. Examine the document

The correct answer is: Administer the oath or take acknowledgment

In the notarization process, after verifying the identity of the signer, the subsequent action involves either administering an oath or taking acknowledgment. This step is crucial because it establishes the intent of the signer to enter into the agreement or document being notarized. If the notarization requires an oath, the notary must ask the signer to affirm that the contents of the document are true. In contrast, taking acknowledgment involves the notary confirming that the signer willingly signed the document for its intended purpose. This process ensures that the notary acts as an impartial witness and safeguards the integrity of the notarization by confirming the signer's awareness and voluntary participation. The other options focus on aspects that are part of the notarization process but do not directly follow the identification of the person. Checking the notarial certificate pertains to confirming the proper completion of the required conditions of the certificate, examining the document relates to ensuring it is complete and ready for notarization, and completing the jurat is finalized after the oath is administered or acknowledgment taken.