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New York Notary Exam Questions and Answers

One or two questions from every topic the exam covers. Answer each in your head, then open the answer to check yourself and see the law behind it.

Updated 2026-10-29 · Based on the NY DOS License Law booklet (Sept 2026)

Appointment & eligibility

1. How long is a New York notary public commission?

  1. 2 years
  2. 4 years
  3. 5 years
  4. 10 years
Show answer

B. 4 years The appointment of a notary public is for a term of 4 years. Exec. Law §130

Powers & prohibited acts

2. May a non-attorney notary draw up a lease for a customer?

  1. Yes, for a small fee
  2. Yes, if they do not notarize it
  3. No, drawing legal papers is the practice of law
  4. Only for residential leases
Show answer

C. No, drawing legal papers is the practice of law A non-attorney notary may not draw any kind of legal papers, including wills, deeds, leases, contracts and powers of attorney. Professional Conduct

Acknowledgments, oaths & affidavits

3. In an acknowledgment, must the signer sign the document in front of the notary?

  1. Yes, always
  2. No, but the signer must personally appear and acknowledge the signature
  3. No, the signer can acknowledge by phone
  4. Only for deeds
Show answer

B. No, but the signer must personally appear and acknowledge the signature It is not essential that the person sign in the notary's presence, but they must personally appear before the notary and acknowledge that they executed it. Acknowledgments by telephone are illegal. Definitions: Acknowledgment

Acknowledgments, oaths & affidavits

4. What is a jurat?

  1. The affidavit itself
  2. The part of an affidavit where the notary certifies it was sworn to before them
  3. A type of will
  4. The county clerk's certificate
Show answer

B. The part of an affidavit where the notary certifies it was sworn to before them A jurat is the part of an affidavit where the officer certifies that it was sworn to before them. It is not the affidavit. Definitions: Jurat

Identifying signers

5. A signer has no photo ID. Which alternative is acceptable?

  1. One utility bill
  2. At least two current documents from an institution, business or government, each with the person's signature
  3. A text from a friend
  4. A selfie
Show answer

B. At least two current documents from an institution, business or government, each with the person's signature Two current documents issued by an institution, business entity, or federal or state government, with at least the individual's signature, are one accepted method. 19 NYCRR §182.5

Conflicts of interest

6. In New York, an acknowledgment taken by a person financially or beneficially interested in the transaction is:

  1. Valid
  2. A nullity
  3. Valid if recorded
  4. Valid for 6 months
Show answer

B. A nullity NY courts have held such acknowledgments to be a nullity. Disqualifications

Signature, stamp & records

7. Does New York law require a notary to use a seal?

  1. Yes
  2. No
  3. Only in NYC
  4. Only for deeds
Show answer

B. No NY law does not require seals. If one is used, the DOS's view is that only the notary's name and "Notary Public for the State of New York" are required on it. Definitions: Seal

Fees

8. What is the most a New York notary may charge for taking one person's acknowledgment?

  1. $1
  2. $2
  3. $5
  4. $25
Show answer

B. $2 The statutory fee is $2 for taking and certifying the acknowledgment of each person. Charging more exposes the notary to prosecution, a civil suit and removal. Exec. Law §136

Fees

9. Three people acknowledge the same deed before a notary. What is the maximum total fee?

  1. $2
  2. $4
  3. $6
  4. $10
Show answer

C. $6 The fee is $2 for each person. Exec. Law §136

Changes, renewal & misconduct

10. Within how many days must a notary notify the Secretary of State of a change of name, address or e-mail?

  1. 5 days
  2. 10 days
  3. 30 days
  4. 90 days
Show answer

A. 5 days Within five days, the notary must send a notice of the change signed with their official signature. 19 NYCRR §182.3(a)(8)

Electronic notarization

11. Where must a notary be located when performing an electronic notarial act?

  1. Anywhere in the U.S.
  2. Physically within New York State
  3. In their county of qualification
  4. Anywhere with internet
Show answer

B. Physically within New York State An electronic notary must be physically present in NY. The signer may be elsewhere. Exec. Law §135-c

Legal terms

12. A codicil is:

  1. A type of deed
  2. An instrument made after a will that modifies it
  3. A mortgage clause
  4. A court order
Show answer

B. An instrument made after a will that modifies it A codicil modifies a will in some respects. Definitions

Take the interactive practice test →

How did you do?

If you got 10 or more right, you're close. Keep practising with smart review so it sticks. With 9 or fewer, focus on the topics you missed. The study guide covers each one in plain English, and the cheat sheet has every number on one page.

Where these questions come from

The Department of State doesn't publish its exam questions. We wrote every question from the official Notary Public License Law booklet (September 2026 edition) and cite the section it tests, so you can check the source. The real exam is multiple choice, one hour, graded pass or fail. See the full exam guide.

Want all 118?

The full bank has 118 questions across 10 topics. It also includes smart review, which brings back the questions you miss until you get them right. It's a one-time $19 payment, with no subscription.

Frequently asked questions

What kind of questions are on the New York notary exam?

Multiple-choice questions on the Notary Public License Law: appointment and eligibility, powers and prohibited acts, acknowledgments and oaths, identifying signers, conflicts of interest, records, fees, renewal and misconduct, electronic notarization, and legal terms such as codicil, affiant and duress.

Are these the actual exam questions?

No. The Department of State doesn't publish the exam. These are original questions written from the same official booklet the exam is based on, each with a citation.

Is there a PDF of NY notary exam questions?

You can print this page from your browser to save it as a PDF. For practice that adapts to your weak spots, the interactive version works better than a static list.

How many questions do I need to get right?

DOS reports results only as pass or fail and does not publish a passing score. Prep providers commonly cite 70%, so aim for 85% or better in practice to give yourself a margin.