More About the New York Notary Exam

In an earlier blog we gave a few New York Notary exam sample questions. We will link to those questions at the end of this post. First, when preparing for the New York notary public exam it’s important to familiarize yourself with the issues you might encounter. The exam tests your knowledge of the laws and procedures governing notaries in New York. Here’s a look at some topics covered on the test. This article is designed to help you study effectively.

Topics Covered on the Notary Exam

Below you will find a list of various topics covered in the New York Notary Exam.

Definition and Responsibilities

Notaries are commissioned by the state. They serve as a neutral witness when important documents are signed. Their responsibilities are: giving oaths, taking acknowledgments, witnessing signatures, and verifying the identity of the signers.

Legal Requirements

To become a notary public in New York, you must be at least 18 years and above. You must also be a resident of the state or have a business operation in the state. Furthermore, you must be a citizen or legal resident of the United States. Additionally, you cannot have any felony convictions (unless your rights have been restored).

Recordkeeping

A notary journal serves as a record of all notarial acts performed. It should include the date and time of the act. It should include the type of act performed. You need a description of the document. Also, record the names and signatures of the parties involved, and any identification presented. New York Notaries must keep a journal.

Fees and Charges

Currently, in New York, the most a notary public can charge for standard notarial acts is $2. However, fees may vary based on the type of act. But fees may vary based on the nature of the act. So, it’s always better to check the State’s fee schedule.

Ethical Considerations

Remember, a notary public must be impartial. And, not notarize documents in which they have stake, financial or personal. Such actions can result in disciplinary action or revocation of notary status.

Identification Requirements

A government-issued photo ID is an appropriate type of identification. Something such as a driver’s license or passport.

Common Errors

For the most part, the most frequent mistake is failure to verify an identity. Notaries need to be certain that the identification matches the name on the document that is being notarized.

Conclusion

Hence, preparation for the New York notary public exam requires a good understanding of the duties, and legal requirements placed upon them. Practicing using sample questions will make you a reliable notary public in New York. Below is a link to our earlier article which provides some notary sample questions. Lastly, you can learn more about how to become a New York Notary by visiting the New York Department of State.