North Carolina Notary Practice Exam

What does the term 'attest' or 'attestation' refer to in notarial practice?

1. The act of validating a signature

2. The completion of a certificate by a notary performing a notarial act

3. The process of scheduling notarial acts

4. The maintaining of records by a notary

The correct answer is: The completion of a certificate by a notary performing a notarial act

In notarial practice, the term 'attest' or 'attestation' specifically refers to the completion of a certificate by a notary performing a notarial act. This process involves the notary officially verifying and documenting that they witnessed the signing of the document, thereby confirming its authenticity and legality. Attestation is a crucial aspect of a notary's role, as it provides assurance that the parties involved have acted knowingly and willingly in executing the document. This process typically includes the notary completing a certificate statement, which may include details such as the date of the notarial act, the type of identification presented, and the signature of both the notary and the signer. This certification serves not only as a record but also as a legal declaration that the notary has fulfilled their duties in accordance with state laws, which is vital for upholding the integrity of notarial acts. While validating a signature, scheduling acts, and maintaining records are all important to the notary's responsibilities, they do not encapsulate the specific meaning of 'attest' or 'attestation' as it pertains to the completion of a notarial certificate.