Free New York State Notary Public Examination Practice Questions

Sample Practice Questions

Try these 10 sample questions from the New York State Notary Public Examination practice bank. Each includes the answer and explanation. Continue with the interactive practice above to review the full question set.

1. 1Which New York official has statutory authority to appoint and commission notaries public?

   1. A. Secretary of State
   2. B. County clerk
   3. C. Attorney General
   4. D. Chief Administrative Judge

   Answer: A

   Explanation: Executive Law §130 states, "The Secretary of State may appoint and commission" New York notaries public. Therefore the Secretary of State is the appointing official.

   Reference: Notary Public License Law 03.2026 — p. 5, Executive Law §130(1)

2. 2A signer formally declares before an authorized officer that executing an instrument was the signer's act and deed. What is this declaration?

   1. A. Acknowledgment
   2. B. Affidavit
   3. C. Deposition
   4. D. Proof

   Answer: A

   Explanation: The glossary defines acknowledgment as "A formal declaration before a duly authorized officer by a person who has executed an instrument."

   Reference: Notary Public License Law 03.2026 — p. 19, Definitions and General Terms—Acknowledgment

3. 3A signer phones a notary and asks the notary to take an acknowledgment without any live appearance. What should the notary do?

   1. A. Refuse because the signer must personally appear in an authorized manner
   2. B. Proceed if the voice is familiar
   3. C. Proceed if the document was previously signed
   4. D. Proceed if two witnesses later confirm the call

   Answer: A

   Explanation: The official booklet states, "Taking acknowledgments over the telephone is illegal"; the notary must refuse the ordinary phone request.

   Reference: Notary Public License Law 03.2026 — p. 5, Professional Conduct

4. 4A newly appointed New York notary asks how long the commission lasts. What is the statutory term?

   1. A. A two-year commission term
   2. B. A four-year commission term
   3. C. A five-year commission term
   4. D. A six-year commission term

   Answer: B

   Explanation: Executive Law §130 provides that "The appointment of a notary public shall be for a term of 4 years." The commission therefore lasts four years.

   Reference: Notary Public License Law 03.2026 — p. 5, Executive Law §130(1)

5. 5A court appoints someone to manage the estate of a person who died without a will. Which glossary term identifies that appointee?

   1. A. Executor
   2. B. Administrator
   3. C. Guardian
   4. D. Deponent

   Answer: B

   Explanation: The booklet defines an administrator as "A person appointed by the court to manage the estate of a deceased person who left no will."

   Reference: Notary Public License Law 03.2026 — p. 19, Definitions and General Terms—Administrator

6. 6After a notary recites an oath, what must the person taking it do to complete the act?

   1. A. Sign a separate acknowledgment
   2. B. Express assent with 'I do' or words of like meaning
   3. C. Produce two identity documents
   4. D. Repeat the notary's commission number

   Answer: B

   Explanation: The booklet allows 'I do' or "some other words of like meaning" to express assent to the oath.

   Reference: Notary Public License Law 03.2026 — p. 21, Definitions and General Terms—Oath

7. 7An applicant lives in Connecticut but maintains an office in Albany. Which fact satisfies New York's location qualification for appointment?

   1. A. Owning property in New York
   2. B. Having clients in New York
   3. C. Maintaining an office or place of business in New York
   4. D. Working remotely for a New York company

   Answer: C

   Explanation: Section 130 expressly recognizes an "office or place of business" in New York as the location alternative. The Albany office satisfies it.

   Reference: Notary Public License Law 03.2026 — p. 5, Executive Law §130(1)

8. 8What term names the person who makes and signs an affidavit?

   1. A. Deponent
   2. B. Principal
   3. C. Affiant
   4. D. Witness

   Answer: C

   Explanation: The official glossary defines affiant as "The person who makes and subscribes his signature to an affidavit."

   Reference: Notary Public License Law 03.2026 — p. 19, Definitions and General Terms—Affiant

9. 9A customer wants to take an oath by an ordinary audio-only telephone call. Which rule controls?

   1. A. The oath is valid if both parties speak simultaneously
   2. B. The oath is valid if the notary personally knows the caller
   3. C. The oath cannot be administered by an ordinary telephone call
   4. D. The oath is valid if the signed affidavit arrives the same day

   Answer: C

   Explanation: The official booklet says an oath "cannot be administered over the telephone"; the ordinary call is insufficient.

   Reference: Notary Public License Law 03.2026 — p. 21, Definitions and General Terms—Oath

10. 10A New York resident notary moves to New Jersey but keeps an office in Manhattan. What happens to the notary's office under §130?

    1. A. The office is vacated immediately upon the move
    2. B. The office is suspended until a new appointment is issued
    3. C. The office continues only in the former county of residence
    4. D. The office is not vacated while the New York office is maintained

    Answer: D

    Explanation: The statute says the notary "does not vacate his or her office" while the required New York office or place of business is maintained.

    Reference: Notary Public License Law 03.2026 — p. 5, Executive Law §130(1)