According to Georgia law, which of the following is one of the five basic qualifications to be a notary?

• A. 18 years old
• B. U.S. citizen or legal resident
• C. legal resident of county
• D. able to read and write English

Answer: (D)

The key requirement being tested is the ability to read and write English. Georgia notary law assumes you can understand and accurately handle the forms, certificates, and notarial language you’ll encounter in everyday duties. Reading comprehension and clear writing are essential for understanding jurats and acknowledgments, properly completing the notary journal, and communicating with signers about what is being notarized. If a notary can’t read or write English, there’s a higher risk of misinterpreting documents or making errors in the record, which can undermine the integrity of the notarization. The other options relate to age, citizenship, or county residency, which are separate considerations and not the specific literacy requirement addressed by the five basic qualifications.