Appointment and Qualifications
Powers, Duties & Fees
Electronic Notarization
Restrictions, Violations & Penalties
Definitions and Key Terms
100

Who commissions notaries public in New York State?

The Secretary of State


100

What is the total fee for appointment as notary public?

$60 ($40 for appointment plus $20 for filing the oath of office)

100

What must the signal transmission be secured against during an electronic notarization?

Interception by anyone other than the communicating parties

100

What is a notary public guilty of if they commit fraud or deceit while performing their duties?

A misdemeanor

100
What is a jurrat?

The part of an affidavit where the notary certifies it was sworn before them 

200

How long is a notary public's term of commission?

4 years

200

What is the fee for a duplicate notary identity card?

$10

200
How long must an electronic notary retain the audio/video used to verify identity?

At least 10 years from the date of the transaction

200

What is prohibited for someone who has not been appointed a notary or commissioner of deeds?

Holding themselves out as or advertising as one

200

What is an affirmation?

A solemn declaration used instead of an oath by those who conscientiously decline to swear; legally equivalent to an oath

300

What must the Secretary of State be satisfied of regarding an applicant's education before appointing them (unless they're an attorney or qualifying court clerk)?

That the applicant has the equivalent of a common school education

300

What is the fee for issuing a certificate of official character?

$1

300

What must a notary do before performing an electronic notarial act?

Register the capability to notarize electronically with the Secretary of State

300

Unless they're an attorney, what is a notary forbidden to do regarding legal documents?

Give legal advice or draw legal papers such as wills, deeds or contracts

300

What must a person say to express assent when taking an oath before a notary?

"I do", or words of like meaning

400

What happens to a notary's office if they are a NY resident who moves out of state but keeps a place of business or office in NY?

They do not vacate their office as notary

400
What is the fee for an authentication certificate of a notary's signature by a county clerk?

$3

400

Where must an electronic notary be physically located while performing an electronic notarial act?

Within the state of New York

400

What fee-sharing practice is prohibited for a noatary?

Dividing or sharing notarial fees with a lawyer

400

What is "venue" on a notarial certificate?

The geographical place where the notarial act was performed
500

Which professionals may be appointed a notary public without taking the exam?

Attorneys admitted to practice law in New York State

500
What is the fee a notary may charge for administering an oath of affirmation?

#2

500

Besides being unique to the notary, what must a reliable electronic signature be?

Capable of independent verification and kept under the notary's sole control

500

What must a notary do before performing any duties of the office?

Take and file the required oath of office

500

Can a corporation of partnership take an oath?

No - an oath must be taken by an individual