NYS Notary Public Study Guide latest updated (Graded A)

Is a NP considered a commissioned public officer? - Answer- Yes. A NP is appointed by the New York Secretary of State vested by Executive Law. What is the commission's term? And, how can it be renewed? - Answer- The length of a NP commission is four (4) years. After four years have passed, the NP commission may be renewed without having to re-take the exam provided that renewal paperwork is submitted within six (6) months of the term's expiration. What are individuals who receive services from a notary properly termed as? - Answer- Consitituents What are some of the commonly performed services of a notary? - Answer- 1. Taking acknowledgements; 2. Administering oaths and affirmations; 3. Executing affidavits; and, 4. Taking depositions. Once a document becomes notarized, is the document considered admissible in court? - Answer- Yes. The document is presumed valid and establishes "prima facia" evidence, sometimes called presumptive evidence. What is the jurisdiction of a New York State notary? - Answer- The jurisdiction extends throughout all 62 counties of the state. What if a constituent who lives out of state is seeking a NYS notary? - Answer- When a NP meets with constituents seeking notary services, the meeting must take place within the boundaries of New York State. The NYS notary cannot travel to other states to perform notary services unless duly commissioned or licensed on those other states as well. Why are notaries needed? - Answer- Notaries are needed to prove the authenticity of signatures, compel truthfulness and assist in minimizing fraud. What are notaries NOT responsible for? - Answer- Notaries do not guarantee the truth or accuracy of statements in the document being notarized. Who, in New York State, may not be a notary public? - Answer- 1. A County Sheriff cannot serve as a notary due to a state law that bars sheriffs from holding any other public office; 2. A convicted felon. What exam would a practicing attorney in New York be required to take to serve as a notary? - Answer- Attorneys who are admitted to the NYS Bar and are practicing in New York State are not required to sit for the Notary Public Exam - they must, however, submit an application and pay the mandatory fee. Are court clerks automatically commissioned as notaries? - Answer- No. Court clerks of the Unified Court System who have taken the Civil Service promotional exam are exempt from testing but they must submit an application and pay the mandatory fee. What is the most commonly performed notarial act? - Answer- The acknowledgement. This can be found with deeds, mortgages and other documents pertaining to real estate, as well as in other areas unrelated to real estate.