Hawaii Notary Public Practice Exam

In the context of a notarial act, what is a certificate?

1. A statement attesting the facts of the act

2. A legal agreement between parties

3. A request for notarization

4. A detailed guide on notary duties

The correct answer is: A statement attesting the facts of the act

A certificate in the context of a notarial act serves as a statement that attests to the facts of the act performed by the notary. This document is critical as it provides evidence that a notarization occurred, specifying the details such as the type of document notarized, the date of the notarization, and the identities of the signers. This attestation by the notary provides a layer of authenticity and trust to the signed document, ensuring that the notary's role in the process is formally recognized. The other options do not convey the specific purpose of a notarial certificate. A legal agreement between parties outlines the terms and conditions agreed upon, but it does not serve the same function as a notarial certificate. A request for notarization is simply a plea to have a document notarized and does not constitute the formal record of the act itself. A detailed guide on notary duties provides information about the responsibilities of a notary but does not represent the evidence of action taken during a notarization. Therefore, the nature of the certificate being a formal statement of the facts of the act makes it the correct answer.