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Notary Public Exam Q&A: Updated & Verified for 2025/2026, Exams of Law

State University of New York College of Optometry (SUNY)Law

A comprehensive set of questions and answers related to notary public regulations, licensing, and responsibilities. It covers eligibility requirements, procedures for renewal, permissible and prohibited activities, and legal implications. It is useful for individuals preparing for the notary public exam or seeking to understand the duties and powers of a notary public. Key topics such as oath administration, acknowledgement procedures, and potential disqualifications. It also addresses the legal and ethical considerations for notaries public, ensuring compliance with state laws and regulations. This resource is updated for 2025/2026.

Typology: Exams

2024/2025

Available from 05/30/2025

SERENAWILLIAMS
SERENAWILLIAMS 🇺🇸

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1) When can a notary public reapply for commission without re-testing? ✔✔1) Up until 6 months from
expiration date.
2) Up until 1 year after military discharge (except dishonorable)
3) When the renewal is mailed to the notary public reminding that expiration date is in 3 months.
2) Who is appointed to accept process service on behalf of the notary public who is a non-resident?
✔✔The Secretary of state.
3) Can a notary public be denied reappointment at the time of renewal, even if in excellent, good
standing? ✔✔Yes, in any case the appointment is at the complete discretion of the Secretary of State.
4) What are the general notary public eligibility requirements, although not limited to these? ✔✔1) US
Citizen.
2) Reside or have a place of business in state.
3) Good moral character.
4) Common school education.
5) No felony convictions. No convictions of weapons, burglar instruments or burglary, stolen property,
unlawful entry, aiding prison escape, possession/distributing drugs, violations of selective draft act.
6) 18 years old.
Notary Public Exam |151 Questions with
100% Correct Answers | Updated & Verified
| 2025/2026
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  1. When can a notary public reapply for commission without re-testing? ✔✔1) Up until 6 months from expiration date.
  2. Up until 1 year after military discharge (except dishonorable)
  3. When the renewal is mailed to the notary public reminding that expiration date is in 3 months.
  4. Who is appointed to accept process service on behalf of the notary public who is a non-resident? ✔✔The Secretary of state.
  5. Can a notary public be denied reappointment at the time of renewal, even if in excellent, good standing? ✔✔Yes, in any case the appointment is at the complete discretion of the Secretary of State.
  6. What are the general notary public eligibility requirements, although not limited to these? ✔✔1) US Citizen.
  7. Reside or have a place of business in state.
  8. Good moral character.
  9. Common school education.
  10. No felony convictions. No convictions of weapons, burglar instruments or burglary, stolen property, unlawful entry, aiding prison escape, possession/distributing drugs, violations of selective draft act.
  11. 18 years old.

Notary Public Exam |151 Questions with

100% Correct Answers | Updated & Verified

  1. Does the notary public receive an ID or license? ✔✔Yes, receives an ID card within 2 weeks of Secretary of State receipt of passed exam with fee and application.
  2. What is the term of the notary public commission? ✔✔ 4 years.
  3. Who issues the notary public id/license? ✔✔Secretary of State. The Division of Licensing Services.
  4. How does the notary public renew his license and when? ✔✔Approximately 3 months prior to the expiration, a renewal application is posted to the notary public, which must be completed and returned with the $60 fee to the County Clerk.
  5. What does a notary public do? ✔✔1) Administer oaths / affimrations.
  6. Take affidavits and depositions.
  7. Receive / certify acknowledgements, deeds, mortgages, powers of attorney.
  8. Demand / accept or payment of foreign and inland bills of exchange, promissory notes and obligations in writing protesting the same for non-payment.
  9. Who commissions or license a notary public? ✔✔Secretary of State forwards the commissions, the original oath of office and signature of the newly appointed notary public to the county clerk.
  10. What happens when a notary public moves out of the state and does not at least retain an office address within the state? ✔✔By doing so he vacates his office commission.
  11. How many notary public can the Secretary of State appoint? ✔✔As many as he/she likes.
  1. It must be an unequivocal and present act by which the affiant consciously takes upon himself the obligation of oath.
  2. What is the alternate simplest form in which an oath may be administered for those who conscientiously decline taking an oath? ✔✔Affirmation: Do you solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm that the statements made by you are true and correct? "Plan B"
  3. Unacceptable to the Secretary of State is "slipshod" administration. What is the simplest form which an oath may lawfully be administered (given) by the notary public? ✔✔"Do you solemnly swear that the contents of the affidavit subscribed by you is correct and true?"
  4. What happens if a document is notarized by a person who is not actually a notary public? ✔✔Section 142A of the Executive Law deems it valid although the fake notary public can still be prosecuted.
  5. What choices does a woman notary who marries have for name to use? ✔✔A) Married name. B) Both maiden and married names. C) Maiden name for life.
  6. What are the notary public licensing fees? ✔✔1) $15 exam.
  7. $60 license, renew
  8. $10 changes name and address
  9. $10 duplicate ID cards
  1. When is the one time you may take acknowledgements /affidavits over the phone or without actually seeing the person making (signing) the acknowledgements? ✔✔Never is it illegal.
  2. How is the deviation or departing from the step-by-step procedures required of the notary public viewed by the authorities? ✔✔1) serious offense.
  3. illegal.
  4. subjects notary public license to revocation and / or prosecution.
  5. Can a non-state resident be a notary public in the state? ✔✔Yes,... a) we can work in the state and may reside outside the state. b) non-residents working within the states. c) oath of office and signature must still be filed in county of their office.
  6. When would the county clerk normally be called upon to authenticate the signature of the notary public? What is the fee? ✔✔When documents will be used outside the state, $3 fee.
  7. How would you be notified of your exam result and what do you do next once you pass? ✔✔Passed slip is mailed to you. Fill out application and return with fee. Failed slip is mailed to you... you may retake the exam immediately. New exam schedules from the State are updated two times per year. You are not advised of what you got wrong.
  1. What are the powers in general for the notary public? ✔✔a) Oaths and affirmations. b) Affidavits and depositions. c) Acknowledgements, deeds, mortgages, powers of attorney and other instruments in writing. d) Demand acceptance of payment foreign and inland bills of exchange, promissory notes and obligations in writing and protest the same for non-acceptance and non-payment.
  2. No notary public shall be suspended or removed for misconduct unless what procedure occurs first? ✔✔Notary public has been served with a copy of the charges and gets an opportunity of being heard.
  3. How do the courts hold an assignment of mortgage taken before or by a notary public who is an assignee (having interest)? ✔✔Null-Void-No good.
  4. What instances disqualify the notary public in certain cases, although still remaining eligible to hold office? ✔✔a) Having pecuniary interest or benefitting in the action. b) Are a party directly or indirectly of the transaction.
  5. Can a member of the legislature be appointed by the Notary Public Commission? ✔✔Yes, but if being paid they vacate their seat in the legislature and power of appointment is transferred from governor and senate to S.O.S.
  6. Can a sheriff become a notary public? ✔✔No, sheriffs shall not hold any other office.
  7. Can a legislator also hold a civil office (be a notary) in the NYS government? ✔✔Yes, provided not being paid. A legislator cannot hold a civil state office if receiving compensation.
  1. Does the county clerk provide notary public services to the general public? ✔✔Yes, the county clerk shall have one designated for business hours. Note that the county clerk's staff is exempt from fees for exam ($15) and application ($60).
  2. Can one incorporate who is an notary public take the acknowledgement of the other incorporator? ✔✔No, that would make the acknowledgement null and void. They both are parties to the instrument and sign it.
  3. What are the acceptable ways the signature and seal fo the county clerk can be presented? ✔✔Facsimile, printed, stamped, photographed or engraved thereon. (Don't confuse with notary public signature/seal).
  4. What is on the notary public ID card issued by the secretary of state? ✔✔a) ID number. b) Name c) Address d) County e) Commission term (f) Expiration date
  5. What are the procedures of appointment and fees after the "test passed" notification is received by you? ✔✔a) Submit application, $60 fee, passed exam slip with executed (notarized oath of office to Secretary of State. b) Secretary of State satisfied... issues notary public commission and ID card, which are mailed.
  1. What can the notary public do if he needs a duplicate ID card? ✔✔Upon receipt of application for a duplicate card and $10, Secretary of State reissues card with same notary public ID number with the word "Duplicate" stamped across the front. It will only be issued if original was lost, destroyed or damaged. Can't have an extra card.
  2. What is the fee for changing address for notary public and who is paid? ✔✔$10 except when changing address at time of application for reappointment. It is paid to Secretary of State.
  3. What is fee charged by County Clerk and register for filing of Certificate of Official Character in additional county? ✔✔$
  4. What must a County Clerk certify to when he issues a Certificate of Official Character? ✔✔That the notary publics license is valid and currently on file with the county.
  5. What is the fee for County Clerk to process a request for notary public commission signature authentication certificate or Certificate of Official Character? ✔✔Authentication: $3. Official Character: $5. Note: Authentication request will also include official character words.
  6. In what counties can certificates of authentication of Notary Commission and signature be read into evidence when challenged? ✔✔In any of the counties of the state.
  1. Can someone removed from Commissioner of Deeds, NYC ever be reappointed or become a notary public? ✔✔No, 140 Executive Law. If they sign or execute any instrument as a Commissioner of Deeds or notary public, it's a misdemeanor.
  2. What is the procedure for taking acknowledgements over the telephone? ✔✔Trick question: no, no, no It's illegal, fraudulent and a misdemeanor to take it over the phone. The certificate of acknowledgement from notary public declares... "On this day of 20 before me came to me known, etc."...
  3. Is a commissioner of elections or inspector of elections eligible to become a notary public? ✔✔Yes, 3 - 200, 3-400 Election Law.
  4. What does the term "Interest as a disqualification" mean? ✔✔A notary public should not take an acknowledgement if he has interest or something to gain personally.
  5. In taking an acknowledgement, is it essential that the person who executed the instrument sign his name in the presence of the notary public? ✔✔No
  6. What are the purposes of the law respecting acknowledgements? ✔✔Purpose is not only to promote the security of land titles and prevent fraud in conveyancing, but to furnish proof of the due execution of conveyances... so as to permit the document to be given in evidence without further proof and make it recordable.
  7. What is the common meaning of acknowledgement? ✔✔The certificate of an officer, duly empowered to take an acknowledgement or proof of the conveyance of real property that on a
  1. In his/her discretion... what powers does a notary public who is also an attorney regularly admitted to practice in the State have? ✔✔With discretion... administering oaths/affirmations and take affidavits/acknowledgements of his own client... in respect to any matter, claim, action or proceeding.
  2. Is the notary public liable for damages resulting from his misconduct? ✔✔YES... to the parties injured for all damages they sustained by his act.
  3. What can the notary public charge for the protest of non-payment of any note or for the no- acceptance or non-payment of any bill of exchange, check or draft giving notices and certificates of such protest? ✔✔75 cents for first protest. 10 cents per additional notice, not exceeding a limit of 5 at a time.
  4. How much extra can a notary public charge when requested to affix his seal to certificates of protest? ✔✔Notary public shall affix seal free of expense, but can charge 75 cents per protest/seal. In other words, doing work for free.
  5. What crime is a person committing when the act, advertise or use the titles of notary public or COD, without first being appointed? ✔✔A misdemeanor, "Fraud in Office."
  6. What crime with criminal penalty has notary public or COD been guilty of if they practice fraud or deceit, besides whatever misconduct punishment is other provided for the acts? ✔✔Felony.
  7. What is the fee for administering oath and affirmation and certifying same? ✔✔$2.
  1. What is the fee for taking and certifying acknowledgements or proof of execution of a written instrument? ✔✔$2.00 per original signature witnessed.
  2. What words can a notary public who is an attorney at law substitute for "notary public" in his stamp? ✔✔"Attorney and Counselor at Law."
  3. What must the notary public print, type, write or stamp beneath his signature in black ink? ✔✔a) "Notary Public State of New York" b) Name of county qualified. c) Commission expiration date. d) Certificate filed county. e) Notary number assigned.
  4. Does a notary accidentally leaving out required information below his signature render the act invalid? ✔✔No, the certificate of a Notary Public over his signature shall be evidence as presumptive. Acceptable or "OK" defect.
  5. Is a notary public or a COD relieved of criminal liability or any other statute of law by reason of which the official act is ruled by the law valid in any case? ✔✔No, separate penalties and liability for damages exist even if an acceptable defect exists.
  6. Can a notary public, Justice, Judge, clerk, deputy clerk, official examiner, mayor, recorder of city or Justice of Peace who is a stockholder, director, officer or employee of a corporation... take an

mortgage lien except at will, lease under 3 years, executor contract for sale or purchase of lands or power to convey real property as the agent or attorney for owner of property.

  1. Who are the 4 people who can take the acknowledgement or proof within the state of a conveyance of real property situate in the state? ✔✔a) Justice Supreme Court. b) Official examiner of title. c) Official referre. d) Notary Public
  2. When a Justice, examiner of title, official referee or notary public take acknowledgement or proof of a conveyance, where can they do it? ✔✔Anywhere in New York State.
  3. Can a corporation sign a document and have it notarized? ✔✔No, only a person with authority to represent the corporation can make proof or acknowledgement.
  4. Be familiar with the real property differences of the certificates of acknowledgement proof for: a) Personal appearance b) Subscribing witrness ✔✔a) The personal appearance certificate is a long form of acknowledgements. b) The subscribing witness is for swearing witnesses to the acknowledgement.
  5. Describe the certificate of acknowledgement or proof of conveyance general procedure. ✔✔a) Person taking it must endorse there upon or attach thereto a certificate signed by him. b) Certificate of endorsement must state all matters required to be done, known or proved.

c) Must include the name and substance of the testimony of each witness examined before him and include subscribing witness place or residence.

  1. How is the execution of a conveyance "proved" by subscribing witness? ✔✔a) States place of residence with street number, street name (if any). b) States he knew/knows the person described in and who executed the conveyance. c) Officer is personally acquainted with witness or has satisfactory evidence he is the same person who was a subscribing witness to the conveyance.
  2. What are the requisites of acknowledgement? ✔✔An officer must not take an acknowledgement or proof unless he knows or has satisfactory evidence that the person making it is the person who executed such instrument.
  3. For the two forms of certificates of acknowledgements or proof without this state... No provision of this section shall be construed to. ✔✔a) Cannot modify the choice of laws pursuant to which an acknowledgement or proof may be taken. b) Cannot modify the requirements for seal, certificate of authenticity purports to be taken in the manner prescribed by another state, district of Columbia territory, possession or foreign country.
  4. What does the term "person" mean for uniform certificates of acknowledgement or proof within the state? ✔✔Any corporation, joint stock company estate general partnership, foreign limited or professional limited liability company, joint venture, limited partnership, natural person, attorney in fact, real estate investment trust or trust, custodian or nominee or any individual or entity in any capacity.
  1. Can a notary public solemnize marriages or take acknowledgement of parties and witness to a written contract of marriage? ✔✔NO!
  2. Is a notary public authorized to authenticate a deposition in a civil proceeding? ✔✔YES, except on Sunday, unless it is a criminal deposition.
  3. What is the procedure for notary public when after witnessing a less/bank remove and inventory the contents of a safety deposit box? ✔✔File certificate under seal, which states: a) Date of opening. (30 days after terminated). b) Name of lessee. c) List of contents. d) Bank must mail copy of notary public certificate to lessees within 10 days.
  4. Can a notary public receive compensation directly or indirectly for preparing deed, mortgages, assignments, etc., or any action of any kind brought before any court of record? ✔✔No, none but for yourself and attorneys to practice in the state with these few exceptions. a) Officers of societies for the prevention of cruelty. b) Law students and graduates with special permission under the programs specifying activities engaged in. Must not have failed bar exam two times.
  5. What is the criminal penalty for acting as an attorney where not permitted? ✔✔Misdemeanor.
  1. Who can institute charges and punishment for criminal contempt on any person unlawfully practicing or that assumes to practice law? ✔✔a) Instituted on courts own motion. b) Motion on any officer charged with the duty of investigating and prosecuting. c) By any bar association in the state.
  2. Can a notary public counsel and advise the drawing of agreements, organization or corporation or draft legal documents? ✔✔No, that is illegally practicing law.
  3. When can a notary public execute wills? ✔✔No, "the execution of wills under the supervision of a notary public cannot be too strongly condemned.
  4. What is forgery in the second degree and what is the criminal charge / penalty? ✔✔When with intent to defraud, deceive or injure another person falsely makes, completes or alters a written instruments. Class D Felony, 3 to 7 years.
  5. When is a notary public prohibited from charging a fee for certain official oaths? ✔✔A notary public cannot charge any public officer, including military officers.
  6. What happens of a notary public is caught asking for or receiving more than the statutory allowance for administering the ordinary oath? ✔✔Criminal prosecution, civil suit for damages, possible removal from notary public commission.
  7. What are the general rules on fees of public officers? ✔✔a) Execute without fee or reward unless expressly allowed by law.