NYS - New York State Notary Powers and Duties Questions and Answers

Question 1

Which of the following acts is a specifically authorized power of a New York State Notary Public?

Accepted Answer

Administering an oath of office for a public official.

Answer

Certifying a copy of a birth certificate.

Answer

Solemnizing a marriage ceremony.

Answer

Providing legal advice on a real estate contract.

Question 2

A client presents a document to a NY Notary that has already been signed. The document requires an acknowledgment. What is the appropriate action for the notary to take?

Accepted Answer

Ask the signer to verbally confirm that the signature on the document is their own and that they signed it willingly.

Answer

Refuse the notarization because the document was not signed in the notary's presence.

Answer

Have the signer cross out the signature and re-sign in front of the notary.

Answer

Notarize the document immediately since an acknowledgment does not require the signing to be witnessed.

Question 3

A New York Notary Public is asked to travel to a neighboring state to notarize a document for a New York resident who is temporarily there. Which of the following is true regarding the notary's authority?

Accepted Answer

The notary cannot perform the notarization because their jurisdiction is limited to the physical boundaries of New York State.

Answer

The notary can perform the notarization since the client is a New York resident.

Answer

The notary can perform the notarization as long as the document pertains to a New York property.

Answer

The notary can perform the notarization if they file a special out-of-state commission certificate.

Question 4

What is the maximum fee a New York Notary Public may charge for taking and certifying the acknowledgment or proof of execution of a written instrument for a single person?

Accepted Answer

$2.00

Answer

$5.00

Answer

$10.00

Answer

$1.00

Question 5

Which of the following duties is a New York Notary Public empowered to perform?

Accepted Answer

Demanding acceptance or payment of foreign and inland bills of exchange.

Answer

Issuing a certified 'true copy' of a university diploma.

Answer

Preparing a power of attorney document for a client.

Answer

Drafting a last will and testament.

Question 6

A person asks a notary to notarize a document that requires an oath. The person objects to swearing on a religious text. What is the notary's proper course of action?

Accepted Answer

Administer an affirmation instead of an oath.

Answer

Refuse to perform the notarization.

Answer

Require the person to raise their right hand and swear.

Answer

Proceed with the oath but make a note of the objection.