Notary Stamp Tip –

This article contains a very good notary stamp tip. Let’s say you just received your “passed slip” in the mail from the New York Secretary of State. That means you are now commissioned as a New York Notary. Purchasing a notary stamp is critical for anyone commissioned as notaries public. The notary stamp is sometimes called a notary seal or embosser. It is an indispensable tool used to authenticate documents. It imprints the notary publics official seal onto them.

So, the next step is to purchase a notary stamp. This is the stamp you will use to complete notarial service on the documents you notarize. There are many other options at your disposal for purchasing your stamp. They range from office supply stores and online retailers. There are also companies specifically in business to supply notaries public.  Many local printing shops can even help you. You should consider convenience, cost, and the repute of the business before choosing where to get your stamp. Regardless of where you purchase it, it’s important to make sure that the notary stamp meets all legal considerations and specifications required by the state that has commissioned you.

As we stated, there are many places where you can order your stamp. Most Office Depot stores can help you. We recommend Office Depot because they are conveniently located to the residence of most notaries. In addition, there are numerous places online who specialize in providing this service. One of our favorites is notarystamp.com. They offer a wide variety of styles at a fair price.

So, Here Is The Tip

Here is our best tip when ordering your stamp. Leave your commission expiration date blank. In New York, your notary commission expires every four years. So, by leaving this line blank on your stamp, you avoid having to buy a new stamp every four years. Instead, you will only need to purchase a new stamp when the ink runs out.

We feel this is a great tip for anyone who wishes to become a notary in New York. And, if you do wish to train to pass the New York notary exam, visit our home page and find out how we can help you prepare to do so.

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Here are a few more New York Notary Exam questions. These are in addition to our previous blog that also reflects the types of questions potentially asked. Now, we don’t know what you will be specifically on your test. But, we do know what the State is looking for, in terms of your knowledge. As stated in our previous blog, all the test questions derive from the New York State Notary License law. If you want to download a copy of the law, visit the New York State’s website.  Once there, scroll down to the link – Laws, Rules and Regulations. You will find a downloadable file in PDF format. Anyway, Check out the questions below.

New York Notary Exam Sample Questions

• When does a notary’s commission expire?
  A) Two Years
  B) Four Years
  C) Six Years
  D) Never
  The answer is: B – Four Years
• Who maintains a record of a notary’s signature, which is made available to the public?
  1. The Secretary of State
  2. The Town Clerk
  3. The County Clerk
  4. Nobody
  The Answer is: C – The County Clerk
• Can a County Sheriff in New York be a Notary?
  The Answer is: No
• If convicted of a criminal offense, can you still become a notary. Yes or No.
  But, only with a pardon from a parole board.
• What is the fee for obtaining one’s notary license?
  The current fee is $60.
• The Secretary of State in New York is not allowed to appoint more than 1000 notaries in a year. True or False.
  This is False. He or she can appoint any number of notaries they wish to appoint.
• An attorney in New York is still required to take the Notary exam. True or False.
  This is False.
• Who issues a Notary Public’s commission?
  The answer is: The Secretary of State in New York
• When a New York Notary Public certifies a document, that document’s accuracy is now guaranteed. True of False.
  The answer is False. A notary does not guarantee the accuracy of a statement that exist in the document.
• What is the term used to describe a person who receives service from a notary public?
  The answer is: Constituent.

The exam will have 40 questions. The questions give you an idea of what the state may look for. We can help you prepare more thoroughly in our training course. Should you desire to become a New York Notary, we can prepare you for the exam. Feel free to read our blog on How Difficult the New York Notary Exam is.

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People often ask us, “How difficult is the New York Notary Exam.” Well, that depends on the individual, and how much they study. The New York Notary Exam is a rather difficult test to pass. It covers a wide range of subjects connected to the performance of a New York State Commissioned Notary. Additionally, the examination itself contains 40 questions. These questions are multiple-choice. The entire exam must be completed within a two hour period. You may find it easier to take an exam preparation course. Feel free to read our article on Picking Your Notary Training Course.

Exam Format

The test is divided into four sections:

• • • • • • Business Law
          • Notarial Laws and Procedures
          • A generalization of Notarial Knowledge
          • Computer Proficiency.

Computer proficiency is relatively new. But, with the advent of New York State allowing Remote Notarization, it becomes obvious that a notary would need some basic computer knowledge to notarize remotely.

Each section has questions. Altogether, the questions in each section intend to determine the applicant’s knowledge relative to the New York Notary Law. The objective is to make sure the applicant has the capacity to complete a given notarial act properly.

Successfully completing the exam demands a thorough understanding of the NY notary law. Furthermore, the applicant must be able to apply the law acceptably and efficiently. For this reason, many candidates fee that the test is difficult and challenging.

Additionally, all applicants must complete and pass a criminal background check to make sure they are of high moral character. Finally, yes the New York Notary Exam is a difficult test to pass, but with proper study and commitment, you can become a notary in New York. Our New York Notary test preparation course can expedite the process for you. Or, you can visit the New York Department of State and study on your own.

You can also read one of our blogs that has a few sample test questions. To do that, click here: Notary Sample Questions.

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Okay. You want to become a notary public. So, when choosing a notary training course, there are certain criteria you should be aware of. Basically, It is important that you choose a provider that will present a program that will make sure you are fully prepared to pass the exam. Accordingly, Let’s look at some of the important things you should look for when choosing a training program.

Important aspects of selecting a notary training program

• Make sure the exam is specific to your State. Every State has various nuances to its notary laws. So, it is imperative that your training provide a course that is designed specifically for your State.
• Regardless of the State you live in, we recommend that you take your exam on a date that is relatively close to the date you complete the course. This is because all that knowledge you gained will be fresh in your mind.
• You need to decide if you prefer a live classroom course, or an online course. Undoubtedly, each has its benefits and drawbacks. In a classroom course, you can have live interaction with the instructor. The drawback is, these courses are completed in a day or two, meaning that you have to cram information in a shorter period. An online class gives you the flexibility of convenience in that you take bits and pieces of the course over time. This allows better retention of information. The drawback is that not being in a live environment, the luxury of interaction is lost.
• In either type of class, you want to be sure you are provided a workbook, or class manual. This way, you can easily refer back to it to refresh previous topics you learned.

We offer online training for those wishing to become a notary public in New York State. Feel free to evaluate our program. You can visit us at our main page.

You can learn more about notary requirements in New York by visiting ny.gov

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In New York State, a notary public needs a license to practice. The license is valid for four years. After that time, a notary license renewal is required. Notary license renewal in New York is done by the County Clerk in the county of your residence.

Notary License Renewal Procedures

• When the four-year license term is reached, a letter is sent to the notary informing him or her of the impending expiration of their license. You will be sent a renewal form. This form requires your physical address (not a post office box). If your address changes, you should inform the State License office in Albany. There will be a $20.00 charge to adjust your records.
• The renewal form requires your full signature and oath of office. Bear in mind that your signature and oath must be taken before a notary public, other than yourself.
• Once your renewal application is completed and your oath of office and signature are notarized. You will send it to your County Clerk’s office. You will need to enclose a payment of $60.00. This payment should be made to the County Clerk of your county of residence.
• Your new identification may take a few months to arrive. As is typical with government agencies, things don’t always move quickly.

If you do not renew your notary commission, then later decide to renew, you will have to take another test. Any renewal received later than six months after its expiration date will not be processed.

If you wish to know more about Notary license renewal in New York, or more specifically, Erie County, visit the  Erie County Clerk’s website. In addition to this article, we have several blog items at https://www.notarynewyork.org/blog. Our articles are not only directed to existing notaries, but also to anyone who desires to become a notary in New York State. You are welcome to visit us to learn more.

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What is a Mobile Notary in New York

First, you cannot be a Mobile Notary in New York unless you are already a notary commissioned by the state. To become a commissioned notary you need to pass a test. Nevertheless, you can prepare for the test on your own, or you can take our New York Notary Test Preparation Course.

So, what is a Mobile Notary? Specifically, a Mobile Notary in New York travels to perform notarial services. So, why is there a need for a Mobile Notary? Can’t a person simply take a document to a bank? Well, there are variety of reasons that make going to a bank, or any notary’s office, difficult. Well, perhaps someone is incapacitated, and unable to leave their home. In this case, instead of traveling to the notary, the notary travels to them.

Another situation requiring a mobile notary may occur at  mortgage closures. Assume that several signatures must be collected. Schedules may make it difficult for all the parties to gather at the same place at the same time.  Mobile notaries can visit the parties directly when meeting conflicts occur.

Signing Agents

Many mobile notaries are also Signing Agents. As a notary you only witness signatures. A Signing Agent can execute real estate transactions and loan documents. And, the pay is significantly better than for solely performing notarial service.  This person is familiar with the lengthy number of pages in a standard loan document. He or She knows exactly where a borrower needs to sign to document. Hence, it requires its own course of study. You can learn more about Signing Agent Certification from the National Notary Association.

Mobile Notary

Let’s get back to our topic. Overall, it is not unusual for a mobile notary travel to notarize leases, power of attorney, or any number of business transactions.

Someone can work in an office and be available for on-call assignments that require travel. You are not limited to a specific location. So, you could notarize a document at a restaurant, a coffee shop, or any setting.

Like every commissioned notary, you must properly complete the notarial process. You need to verify the person’s identity. Of course, you must witness the signing of the document. It’s necessary to be sure that the person signing is not under any threat and is willingly signing the document. Naturally, this is the same for any notary, not just mobile notaries. To learn more about becoming a New York Notary, visit our Notary Public Article on how to become a notary in New York.

With the advent of New York allowing e-notarizations, the need for a mobile notary will be less likely, since typical mobile notary services will be done remotely. For other questions, visit the FAQs tab on our website.

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So, what is the cost to become a Notary Public in New York?

If you ask what it cost to become a Notary in New York State, people will tell you, $60.00. Well, they are correct, and they are incorrect. Let me explain.

First, you have to take a test. The fee for the test is $15.00. If you pass the test, you will then be charged for your Notary Commission. This is the $60.00 fee. But wait, there’s more.

You’ll want to purchase a rubber stamp to facilitate providing service for your clients. Rubber stamps vary in price from between $5.00 and $25.00. Now, depending on the types of documents you will be notarizing, you may want to purchase an embosser. An embosser runs between $30.00 and $60.00. You should also buy a journal to record any notarial act that you do. A journal costs between $15.00 and $35.00.

So to be completely set up as a Notary, let’s review:

$15.00  Notary Exam
$60.00  Commission
$20.00  Rubber Stamp (Estimated)
$45.00  Embosser (Estimated)
$20.00  A Journal (Estimated)

Total:  $160.00

You can purchase supplies online. All Stationary Supplies can provide you with what you need at All State Notary Supplies.

There are also additional costs you could incur. You may decide to study for the test on your own, which costs nothing. Or, you may wish to take a test New York Notary Test preparation course. These courses run from between $50.00 and $100.00. Our course costs $59.00 and it is available at our home page.

After receiving your commission, you may decide to secure what is called Errors and Omissions Insurance. What this does is protect you against liability for any unintentional errors you may make.

You now have a clear idea as to what it would cost you in order to become a New York Notary Public. When you think about it, it’s a rather small investment. When you consider the added value you can bring to your employer, it’s well worth it. Once you receive your notary commission you can register to become an e-notary.

To learn about our New York Notary Training Course, click the About the Course link on our home page.

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Becoming a New York Notary Public is not difficult, although you will have to take, and pass,  the New York State Notary License Exam.

Many documents require notarization. If you work in banking, real estate, a hospital, a government agency, becoming a notary can make you more valuable to your employer. It also enhances your resume for any potential future employment. You can prepare for the course through our New York Notary test preparation course. Or, you can prepare on your own.

Steps to Take to Become a New York Notary

The first thing you’ll need to do is fill out an application. This is available through the New York State Division of licenses. The application also comes as part of our training course, should you decide to enroll.

The next step would be to download and study the New York Notary License Law. Although this also comes with enrollment to our course, you can download it directly from the State. Just click the link above.

You must then make an appointment to take the test through your local county. There is a $15.00 fee for taking the exam.

After taking and passing the exam you will receive a ‘test pass slip” in the mail. You must then request your notary commission from the New York Secretary of State.

You’ll have to complete the application and take an Oath of Office. This must be sworn and notarized. When you submit your notarized application and test pass slip, you will need to include a $60.00 application fee.

Your application will then be processed. You will then receive your notary ID card in the mail anywhere from four to six weeks.

After receiving your notary commission it will be good for four years, at which time you will have to renew your commission.

You can find more information about becoming a notary public by visiting the New York Department of State, licensing service

Feel free to review our sample New York notary exam sample test questions to help you prepare for the exam.

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