Notary acts commonly include taking acknowledgments and administering oaths.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only taking signatures
• D. Only administering oaths

Answer: (A)

Notaries perform two foundational tasks regularly: taking acknowledgments and administering oaths. An acknowledgment is when the signer appears before the notary, shows they signed the document willingly, and identifies themselves for the record; the notary then confirms the signer’s identity and that the signing occurred for the stated purpose. Administering an oath or affirmation means the notary has the signer swear to, or affirm, that the statements in the document are true, recording that the oath was administered. These acts are central to the notary’s role because they provide assurance to others that the document was properly executed and that the signer’s statements are being sworn to. While notaries may also witness signatures or certify copies in other contexts, the combination of an acknowledgment and an oath is a common, core part of notarial practice.