State of the Notary's Commission

• The first question for a notary public is the state of her commission. Before signing a document, ensure that the notary public is commissioned by the state in where the document is being signed. For example, if you are signing a document in New Mexico, the notary public must be commissioned by the state of New Mexico. Ask, "what state are you commissioned in?"
  
  

Expiration Date of Commission

• Notary publics are commissioned for a limited time period; four years, in some states. When a commission has expired, the notary is not authorized to sign or seal documents. Ask the notary, "What date does your commission expire?" That date is also to be written on the document that the notary signs and seals. Ensure that the notary's commission is still valid at the time that she attests to the document.
  
  

Fee

• Notary publics are permitted to charge a nominal fee for their services. Ask the notary what the fee is and whether it is charged for each document to be signed. You may pose this question: "How much do you charge for your services?"
  
  

Conflict of Interest

• A notary public may not sign documents in which they have a financial interest. A notary public may not offer their services in cases in which they are personally involved. Explain the nature of the transaction for which you need the notary's seal and signature, then ask: "Do you have an interest in this case or do you know any of the parties involved?" If the notary answers in the negative, she can sign and seal the document.