Practice Exam 1
You may take this 40-question practice exam as often as you wish. Please note the questions as well as the choices are shuffled each time.
1. According to the Introduction, what is the non-refundable application fee for a Notary Public commission in New York State?
$75
$60
$50
$40
2. Where must an out-of-state non-attorney with a business in New York file their oath of office and signature?
In the county clerk’s office where the NY business is located
In their home state
At the Secretary of State in Albany
At any NYS courthouse
3. Which phrase represents the simplest lawful form of administering an oath?
Do you solemnly swear that the contents of this affidavit subscribed by you is correct and true?
Please verify these documents.
Do you promise to tell the truth?
I swear this is correct.
4. By when must the Secretary of State transmit the commission and oath to the county clerk?
By the 10th day of the following month
On the first Monday of the next quarter
Within 3 business days
Immediately upon signing
5. The application fee submitted to the Secretary of State is:
Waived for first-time applicants
Refundable upon denial
Prorated based on exam score
Non-refundable
6. Which Penal Law section addresses official misconduct?
§170.10
§70.15
§484
§195.00
7. A non-attorney Notary Public may not engage in which of the following activities?
Taking acknowledgments
Administering oaths
Certifying copies of personal documents
Giving advice on the law
8. What must a nonresident appointee do regarding service of process?
Appoint the Secretary of State as the person upon whom process can be served
Waive all service requirements
Hire a private process server
File with the home state court
9. How are out-of-state attorneys who maintain a law office in New York classified for residency purposes?
Residents of their home state
Exempt from residency requirements
Non-residents
Residents of the county where the NY office is maintained
10. What is the fee charged by a county clerk to certify a notarial signature under seal?
$2
$5
$1
$3
11. Under Executive Law §130, what happens if a resident Notary moves out of New York but maintains an office in the State?
They do not vacate their office as a Notary Public
Their commission is automatically revoked
They must immediately resign
They must reapply within 30 days
12. Which law section governs the appointment of Notaries Public?
Real Property Law §290
Public Officers Law §3
Executive Law §129
Executive Law §130
13. Which official authority commissions Notaries Public in New York State?
The Governor
The Secretary of State
The Chief Judge
The County Clerk
14. What is the fee for changing a Notary Public's name or address?
$20
$15
$10
$5
15. Referring legal business to an attorney in exchange for money or consideration is:
A standard networking practice
Allowed if disclosed to the client
Permitted under Executive Law §135
Expressly prohibited and subject to removal
16. When may the Secretary of State waive qualifying requirements for reappointment due to military service?
Only after 5 years of service
Waivers are never granted
Within 1 year after discharge under conditions other than dishonorable
Immediately upon enlistment
17. Who may certify the official character of a Notary Public?
The Secretary of State or the county clerk where the commission is filed
Any practicing attorney
Only the Governor
The local sheriff
18. A nonresident Notary who ceases to have an office or place of business in New York:
Must transfer to another state
Vacates their office as a Notary Public
Automatically becomes a Commissioner of Deeds
Retains their commission indefinitely
19. What is legally equivalent to an oath for individuals who conscientiously decline one?
An affirmation
A sworn deposition
A notarized letter
A personal guarantee
20. What is the cost to obtain a duplicate Notary Public identification card?
Free
$5
$10
$20
21. Which Real Property Law section covers acknowledgments and proofs within the state?
§333
§290
§298
§309-a
22. Under County Law, which section designates county staff to notarize documents free of charge?
County Law §550
County Law §534
County Law §500
County Law §510
23. Under Executive Law §132, what fee does the Secretary of State charge for issuing a certificate of official character?
$10
$5
$1
$2
24. Dividing notarial fees with an attorney or accepting part of a lawyer's fee is:
Prohibited under professional conduct rules
Regulated by the Bar Association
Permitted if documented
Allowed for corporate clients
25. Why are Notaries Public cautioned against executing acknowledgments for wills?
The Secretary of State does not track will notarizations
It violates federal estate law
Wills require a higher filing fee
It cannot be deemed equivalent to an attestation clause accompanying a will
26. What fee does a county clerk collect for filing a certificate of official character?
$1
$5
$10
$3
27. Where may the public access and verify the official signature of a commissioned Notary Public?
Online via a state portal
At the local city hall
At the Secretary of State headquarters
At the county clerk’s office
28. When is county clerk authentication of a Notary’s signature normally obtained?
When documents will be used outside the State
Upon initial commissioning
For all routine document notarizations
Only for real estate transactions
29. What is the primary purpose of a County Clerk authenticating a Notary's signature?
To verify authority when documents leave New York State jurisdiction
To collect additional state taxes
To update federal databases
To replace the original notary seal
30. Taking acknowledgments or affidavits over the telephone without personal appearance is considered:
Illegal and serious professional misconduct
Permissible with written consent
Allowed for electronic records only
A minor administrative oversight
31. What is the standard term length for a Notary Public commission in New York State?
4 years
2 years
3 years
5 years
32. Drawing legal papers such as deeds, wills, or mortgages is:
Required for real estate notarizations
Prohibited for non-attorney Notaries Public
Allowed with a supplemental license
Permitted if the document is simple
33. When may education requirements be waived for reappointment?
Upon first application
Never
Only for veterans
When applying before term expiration or within 6 months thereafter
34. Which category of applicants is exempt from taking the Notary Public examination?
Real estate agents
Attorneys admitted to practice in NYS
Military veterans
Out-of-state residents
35. A Notary Public's commission record and signature are maintained by which local official?
The District Attorney
The Town Supervisor
The Mayor
The County Clerk
36. Which law section outlines the procedure for appointment, fees, and commissions?
County Law §534
Judiciary Law §484
Executive Law §131
Penal Law §195.00
37. Which document type is specifically noted in Professional Conduct as carrying risk when improperly notarized by non-attorneys?
Affidavits
Deeds
Leases
Wills
38. What portion of the $60 application fee is transmitted to the county clerk?
$10
$30
$20
$40
39. Under Executive Law §130, what must the Secretary of State verify before issuing a commission (unless exempt)?
Membership in a notary association
A background check from the FBI
Proof of bank accounts
Good moral character, common school education equivalent, and familiarity with duties
40. Advertising powers or rights not granted by law is considered:
A minor infraction
Allowed with attorney oversight
Unacceptable professional conduct
Permissible if in a foreign language