NYS Notary Public Exam Prep | 500+ Most Tested
QUESTIONs with Correct Answers & Expert
Rationales 2026/2027
QUESTION 1 What is the official term of office for a notary public
commissioned in the State of New York?
A. 2 years
B. 3 years
C. 4 years
D. 5 years
Correct Answer: C. 4 years
Detailed Rationale: Under New York State Notary Public License Law, a
notary public commission is granted for a standard term of four years.
QUESTION 2 Which state agency in New York is responsible for the
administration, testing, licensing, and commissioning of notaries public?
A. Department of Financial Services
B. Department of State
C. Office of the Attorney General
D. Department of Motor Vehicles
Correct Answer: B. Department of State
,Detailed Rationale: The New York Department of State Division of
Licensing Services handles all aspects of notary public applications,
examinations, commissions, and regulatory oversight.
QUESTION 3 What is the minimum age requirement to qualify for
appointment as a notary public in New York State?
A. 18 years of age
B. 21 years of age
C. 18 years, or 21 if residing outside NYC
D. 25 years of age
Correct Answer: A. 18 years of age
Detailed Rationale: To qualify for appointment as a notary public in
New York, an individual must be at least 18 years of age and meet
residency or business requirements.
QUESTION 4 What is the geographical jurisdiction of a notary public
commissioned in New York State?
A. Restricted to the county of residence only
B. Restricted to New York City and surrounding boroughs
C. Statewide, covering anywhere within the borders of New York State
D. Nationwide across all United States territories
Correct Answer: C. Statewide, covering anywhere within the borders of
New York State
,Detailed Rationale: Once commissioned, a New York State notary public
has the legal authority to perform notarial acts anywhere within the
State of New York, regardless of their specific county of residence.
QUESTION 5 How is a notary public classified under New York law
regarding their governmental role?
A. Judicial officer
B. Legislative officer
C. Ministerial public officer
D. Executive cabinet officer
Correct Answer: C. Ministerial public officer
Detailed Rationale: A notary public is classified as a ministerial officer
because their duties involve carrying out established legal procedures
and statutory tasks without exercising broad discretionary judicial
powers.
QUESTION 6 What is the official fee charged to take the written New
York State Notary Public examination?
A. $10.00
B. $15.00
C. $25.00
D. $50.00
Correct Answer: B. $15.00
Detailed Rationale: The Department of State charges a $15.00
examination fee for candidates taking the written notary public test.
, QUESTION 7 What is the minimum passing score percentage required
to pass the written New York State Notary Public examination?
A. 60%
B. 70%
C. 75%
D. 80%
Correct Answer: B. 70%
Detailed Rationale: Candidates must achieve a score of at least 70%
(getting 28 out of 40 multiple-choice QUESTIONs correct) to
successfully pass the written exam.
QUESTION 8 For how long are the passing results of the written New
York State Notary Public examination valid before an application for
commission must be submitted?
A. 6 months
B. 1 year
C. 2 years
D. 4 years
Correct Answer: C. 2 years
Detailed Rationale: An applicant's exam pass slip remains valid for a
period of two years from the test date, within which time the
application for commission must be filed.
QUESTION 9 What is the current standard application and renewal fee
payable to the Department of State for a notary public commission?
QUESTIONs with Correct Answers & Expert
Rationales 2026/2027
QUESTION 1 What is the official term of office for a notary public
commissioned in the State of New York?
A. 2 years
B. 3 years
C. 4 years
D. 5 years
Correct Answer: C. 4 years
Detailed Rationale: Under New York State Notary Public License Law, a
notary public commission is granted for a standard term of four years.
QUESTION 2 Which state agency in New York is responsible for the
administration, testing, licensing, and commissioning of notaries public?
A. Department of Financial Services
B. Department of State
C. Office of the Attorney General
D. Department of Motor Vehicles
Correct Answer: B. Department of State
,Detailed Rationale: The New York Department of State Division of
Licensing Services handles all aspects of notary public applications,
examinations, commissions, and regulatory oversight.
QUESTION 3 What is the minimum age requirement to qualify for
appointment as a notary public in New York State?
A. 18 years of age
B. 21 years of age
C. 18 years, or 21 if residing outside NYC
D. 25 years of age
Correct Answer: A. 18 years of age
Detailed Rationale: To qualify for appointment as a notary public in
New York, an individual must be at least 18 years of age and meet
residency or business requirements.
QUESTION 4 What is the geographical jurisdiction of a notary public
commissioned in New York State?
A. Restricted to the county of residence only
B. Restricted to New York City and surrounding boroughs
C. Statewide, covering anywhere within the borders of New York State
D. Nationwide across all United States territories
Correct Answer: C. Statewide, covering anywhere within the borders of
New York State
,Detailed Rationale: Once commissioned, a New York State notary public
has the legal authority to perform notarial acts anywhere within the
State of New York, regardless of their specific county of residence.
QUESTION 5 How is a notary public classified under New York law
regarding their governmental role?
A. Judicial officer
B. Legislative officer
C. Ministerial public officer
D. Executive cabinet officer
Correct Answer: C. Ministerial public officer
Detailed Rationale: A notary public is classified as a ministerial officer
because their duties involve carrying out established legal procedures
and statutory tasks without exercising broad discretionary judicial
powers.
QUESTION 6 What is the official fee charged to take the written New
York State Notary Public examination?
A. $10.00
B. $15.00
C. $25.00
D. $50.00
Correct Answer: B. $15.00
Detailed Rationale: The Department of State charges a $15.00
examination fee for candidates taking the written notary public test.
, QUESTION 7 What is the minimum passing score percentage required
to pass the written New York State Notary Public examination?
A. 60%
B. 70%
C. 75%
D. 80%
Correct Answer: B. 70%
Detailed Rationale: Candidates must achieve a score of at least 70%
(getting 28 out of 40 multiple-choice QUESTIONs correct) to
successfully pass the written exam.
QUESTION 8 For how long are the passing results of the written New
York State Notary Public examination valid before an application for
commission must be submitted?
A. 6 months
B. 1 year
C. 2 years
D. 4 years
Correct Answer: C. 2 years
Detailed Rationale: An applicant's exam pass slip remains valid for a
period of two years from the test date, within which time the
application for commission must be filed.
QUESTION 9 What is the current standard application and renewal fee
payable to the Department of State for a notary public commission?
