NOTARY PUBLIC QUALIFICATIONS UPDATED
ACTUAL 154 2026 QUESTION BANK
NOTARIZATION PROCEDURES MODULE
SOLVED ITEMS AND RESPONSE KEY
◉ What must notaries do to ensure satisfactory evidence of identity?
Answer: Follow the requirements set forth in the Notary Public
License Law.
◉ What is the penalty for illegal practice of law by a notary public?
Answer: It is considered a misdemeanor.
◉ What does the term 'notarial fees' refer to? Answer: Fees that
notaries public may charge for their services.
◉ What is the significance of the statement regarding the authority
of notaries public? Answer: It outlines the powers and limitations of
notaries in their official capacity.
◉ What is the role of the county clerk in relation to notaries public?
Answer: The county clerk maintains records of commissions and
signatures of notaries.
,◉ What is the requirement for recordkeeping by notaries public?
Answer: Notaries must keep accurate records of their notarial acts.
◉ What is the purpose of the 'certificate of official character'?
Answer: To authenticate a notary's signature for use outside the
state.
◉ What is the consequence of misconduct by a notary public?
Answer: They may be removed from office.
◉ What is required for the acknowledgment of a married woman's
signature? Answer: Specific requisites as outlined in the Real
Property Law.
◉ What does the term 'malfeasance' refer to in the context of
notaries? Answer: Improper or illegal actions taken by notaries in
their official capacity.
◉ What is the significance of the Uniform forms of certificates of
acknowledgment? Answer: They standardize the process of
notarization within and outside the state.
◉ What is the role of the Division of Licensing Services? Answer: To
oversee the commissioning and regulation of notaries public.
,◉ What is the legal consequence of issuing a false certificate as a
notary? Answer: It can lead to criminal charges, including forgery.
◉ What is the term of appointment for a notary public in New York?
Answer: 4 years
◉ Who has the authority to appoint notaries public in New York?
Answer: The Secretary of State
◉ What must a notary public do to lawfully administer an oath?
Answer: Administer it in the presence of an authorized officer and
ensure the affiant consciously takes the obligation.
◉ What is an affirmation in the context of notarial acts? Answer: A
legally equivalent statement to an oath for those who decline to take
an oath.
◉ What are the qualifications for holding the office of notary public?
Answer: Must be of good moral character, have a common school
education, and be familiar with notarial duties.
◉ What happens if a notary public moves out of New York State?
Answer: They vacate their office unless they maintain a place of
business in New York.
, ◉ Can a non-resident notary public in New York appoint an agent for
service of process? Answer: Yes, by accepting the office, they appoint
the Secretary of State as their agent.
◉ What is prohibited for notaries public regarding the practice of
law? Answer: Notaries may not give legal advice, draw legal
documents, or engage in legal business.
◉ What is the application fee for reappointment as a notary public?
Answer: $60
◉ What fee does the Secretary of State charge for changing a notary
public's name or address? Answer: $10
◉ What must be done if a notary public is to be removed from
office? Answer: They must be served with charges and given an
opportunity to be heard.
◉ What is required for a notary public to be reappointed after their
term expires? Answer: They must apply within 6 months after
expiration, or the Secretary may waive requirements.
◉ What is the legal consequence for a notary public engaging in
prohibited activities? Answer: They may be removed from office and
face imprisonment or fines.
ACTUAL 154 2026 QUESTION BANK
NOTARIZATION PROCEDURES MODULE
SOLVED ITEMS AND RESPONSE KEY
◉ What must notaries do to ensure satisfactory evidence of identity?
Answer: Follow the requirements set forth in the Notary Public
License Law.
◉ What is the penalty for illegal practice of law by a notary public?
Answer: It is considered a misdemeanor.
◉ What does the term 'notarial fees' refer to? Answer: Fees that
notaries public may charge for their services.
◉ What is the significance of the statement regarding the authority
of notaries public? Answer: It outlines the powers and limitations of
notaries in their official capacity.
◉ What is the role of the county clerk in relation to notaries public?
Answer: The county clerk maintains records of commissions and
signatures of notaries.
,◉ What is the requirement for recordkeeping by notaries public?
Answer: Notaries must keep accurate records of their notarial acts.
◉ What is the purpose of the 'certificate of official character'?
Answer: To authenticate a notary's signature for use outside the
state.
◉ What is the consequence of misconduct by a notary public?
Answer: They may be removed from office.
◉ What is required for the acknowledgment of a married woman's
signature? Answer: Specific requisites as outlined in the Real
Property Law.
◉ What does the term 'malfeasance' refer to in the context of
notaries? Answer: Improper or illegal actions taken by notaries in
their official capacity.
◉ What is the significance of the Uniform forms of certificates of
acknowledgment? Answer: They standardize the process of
notarization within and outside the state.
◉ What is the role of the Division of Licensing Services? Answer: To
oversee the commissioning and regulation of notaries public.
,◉ What is the legal consequence of issuing a false certificate as a
notary? Answer: It can lead to criminal charges, including forgery.
◉ What is the term of appointment for a notary public in New York?
Answer: 4 years
◉ Who has the authority to appoint notaries public in New York?
Answer: The Secretary of State
◉ What must a notary public do to lawfully administer an oath?
Answer: Administer it in the presence of an authorized officer and
ensure the affiant consciously takes the obligation.
◉ What is an affirmation in the context of notarial acts? Answer: A
legally equivalent statement to an oath for those who decline to take
an oath.
◉ What are the qualifications for holding the office of notary public?
Answer: Must be of good moral character, have a common school
education, and be familiar with notarial duties.
◉ What happens if a notary public moves out of New York State?
Answer: They vacate their office unless they maintain a place of
business in New York.
, ◉ Can a non-resident notary public in New York appoint an agent for
service of process? Answer: Yes, by accepting the office, they appoint
the Secretary of State as their agent.
◉ What is prohibited for notaries public regarding the practice of
law? Answer: Notaries may not give legal advice, draw legal
documents, or engage in legal business.
◉ What is the application fee for reappointment as a notary public?
Answer: $60
◉ What fee does the Secretary of State charge for changing a notary
public's name or address? Answer: $10
◉ What must be done if a notary public is to be removed from
office? Answer: They must be served with charges and given an
opportunity to be heard.
◉ What is required for a notary public to be reappointed after their
term expires? Answer: They must apply within 6 months after
expiration, or the Secretary may waive requirements.
◉ What is the legal consequence for a notary public engaging in
prohibited activities? Answer: They may be removed from office and
face imprisonment or fines.
