New York State Notary Public Exam Flashcards
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What is the New York notary examination fee?
$15.
What is the initial application fee for a New York notary commission?
$60.
How long is a New York notary public's term of commission?
Four years.
What is the fundamental role of a notary public?
A public officer commissioned by the state to serve as an impartial witness to signings and to deter fraud.
What distinguishes a jurat?
The signer must sign in the notary's presence and take an oath or affirmation that the statements are true; used for affidavits.
Acknowledgment vs. jurat: which requires an oath and signing in the notary's presence?
The jurat requires both an oath/affirmation and signing in the notary's presence; the acknowledgment requires neither.
How must a notary identify a signer?
Through personal knowledge or satisfactory evidence such as a current government-issued ID.
Can a notary notarize a signature if the signer is not present?
No. The signer must be physically present at the time of notarization.
May a non-attorney notary give legal advice or prepare legal documents?
No. A non-attorney notary may not give legal advice, accept fees for legal advice, or prepare legal documents for others.
When must a notary refuse to perform a notarization?
When the signer appears coerced, does not understand the transaction, or cannot be properly identified.
What information must a notary journal entry record?
Date and time, type of act, type of document, name and address of each signer, and the identification method used.
What must a notary's official seal contain, and how must the seal and journal be safeguarded?
The seal typically includes the notary's name, "Notary Public," the commissioning state, and the commission expiration date; the notary must keep both the seal and journal under exclusive control and never let another person use them.
Is a written exam required to become a New York notary public?
Yes. Applicants must take and pass the notary public examination.
What distinguishes an acknowledgment?
The signer declares the signature is genuine and made willingly; the signer need not sign in the notary's presence and takes no oath.
May a notary notarize a document in which they have a financial interest?
No. A notary must not notarize a document to which they are a party or in which they have a direct financial or beneficial interest.