NYS Notary Exam Questions | 100% Correct Answers with Detailed Rationales (2026/2027)

NYS Notary Exam Questions | 100% Correct Answers with
Detailed Rationales (2026/2027)



SECTION 1: Eligibility, Appointment, and Commission Requirements

Question 1
What is the minimum age requirement to be appointed a notary public in New York
State?
A. 16 years old
B. 18 years old
C. 21 years old
D. 25 years old

Correct Answer: B
Rationale: New York State law requires that a notary public applicant be at least 18
years of age. Options A, C, and D do not reflect the statutory minimum age requirement.

Question 2
An applicant for a New York State notary public commission must meet which
educational requirement?
A. A bachelor's degree from an accredited college
B. A high school diploma or GED
C. The equivalent of a common school education
D. Completion of a notary public preparatory course

Correct Answer: C
Rationale: New York State requires applicants to have the equivalent of a common
school education. A college degree, high school diploma, or preparatory course
completion is not statutorily required.

Question 3

,Maria, a 19-year-old resident of New Jersey, works in Manhattan and maintains a
business office in New York State. She is interested in becoming a notary public. Is
Maria eligible to apply?
A. No, because she is under 21 years of age
B. No, because she does not reside in New York State
C. Yes, because she maintains a business office in New York State
D. Yes, because any U.S. citizen may apply regardless of residence

Correct Answer: C
Rationale: New York State permits appointment of notaries who either reside in the
state or maintain a business office in the state. Maria meets the residency alternative
requirement, and the minimum age is 18, not 21.

Question 4
What is the term of a New York State notary public commission?
A. 2 years
B. 4 years
C. 5 years
D. 6 years

Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A New York State notary public commission is issued for a term of 4 years.
Options A, C, and D do not reflect the current statutory commission term.

Question 5
Which of the following individuals is INELIGIBLE for appointment as a notary public in
New York State?
A. A member of the New York State Legislature
B. A commissioner of elections
C. A county sheriff
D. An inspector of elections

Correct Answer: C
Rationale: New York State law specifically prohibits the appointment of sheriffs as
notary public. Members of the legislature, commissioners of elections, and inspectors
of elections are all eligible for appointment.

, Question 6
What is the current application fee for a New York State notary public commission?
A. $15
B. $40
C. $60
D. $75

Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The application fee for a New York State notary public commission is $60.
The $15 fee is the examination fee, not the application fee.

Question 7
James, a licensed attorney in New York State, wishes to become a notary public. Which
requirement applies to James?
A. He must take and pass the notary public examination
B. He is exempt from the examination requirement
C. He must pay a reduced application fee of $30
D. He must complete 40 hours of notary education

Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Licensed attorneys in New York State are exempt from the notary public
examination requirement. They must still pay the full application fee and meet all other
eligibility criteria.

Question 8
How often are New York State notary public examination schedules published?
A. Monthly
B. Quarterly
C. In January and July
D. Annually in December

Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The New York State Department of State publishes notary public examination
schedules in January and July of each year.

Question 9