NYS Notary Exam Study guide
Who are notaries public commissioned by?correct answerThe Secretary of State
To whom is an application submitted to become a notary public?correct answerThe Division of Licensing
Services.
How much is an application to become a notary public?correct answer$60.
What is included in the application to become a notary public?correct answerAn oath of office, duly
executed before any person authorized to administer an oath, together with their signature.
What must also be included in the application to become a notary public?correct answerA pass slip
indicating they have taken and passed the exam.
How long is the term of commission as a notary public?correct answer4 years
Where are notary publics commissioned?correct answerIn their counties of residence.
Where can the public verify the official signature of a notary?correct answerThe county clerk’s office.
When is authentication of a notary’s signature obtained?correct answerWhen a document will be used
outside the State.
What should notaries do when they expect to sign documents regularly in counties other than their
residence?correct answerFile a certificate of official character with other New York state county clerks.
Which nonresidents may be allowed to be a notary in a state?correct answerAttorneys who maintain law
offices within the State, and others who have offices or places of business in NYS.
Where must the oath of office and signature be filed for an out-of-state resident who is a notary?correct
answerThe office of the county clerk of the county in which the office or place of business is located.
When is taking an acknowledgment and affidavit illegal?correct answerWithout the actual, personal
appearance of the individual, (i.e. over the phone or otherwise).
What are the simplest forms in which an oath may be lawfully administered?correct answerDo you
solemnly swear that the contents of this affidavit subscribed by you is correct and true?
What is another way to affirm for those who decline taking an oath?correct answerDo you solemnly,
sincerely and truly declare and affirm that the statements made by you are true and correct?
What is the is one (1st) thing a notary public may not do? hint: Acorrect answerGive advice on the law
(i.e. cannot draw legal papers like wills, deeds, bills of sale, etc)
What is another (2nd) thing a notary public may not do? hint: Bcorrect answerAsk for and get legal
business to send to a lawyer with whom they have any business connection
What is another (3rd) thing a notary public may not do? hint: Dcorrect answerDivide or agree to divide
their fees with a lawyer or accept any part of a lawyer’s fee on any legal business.
What is another (4th) thing a notary public may not do? hint: Acorrect answerAdvertise in or circulate in
any paper or advertisement that they have any powers or rights not given to the notary by the laws
under which the notary was appointed.
Is an acknowledgment of the execution of a will the equivalent of an attestation clause accompanying a
will?correct answerNo.
At the time of a notary publics appointment, what must they be?correct answerA citizen of the US & a
resident of NYS or have an office or place of business in NYS.
After being commissioned, what does a notary public receive?correct answerAn identification card
indicating the appointee’s name, address, county & commission term.