New York Notary Public Exam Practice Test
Frequently asked questions
How many New York Notary Public Exam practice questions are here?+
A full bank of original New York Notary Public Exam practice questions across the official content areas, weighted like the real exam, with explanations. Free, no signup.
What is the New York Notary Public Exam exam like?+
About 40 questions, 60 minutes, and you need 70% to pass. Practice by topic here, then take the full timed mock exam to gauge readiness.
Are these the real exam questions?+
No. Every question is 100% original, written from public primary sources with explanations. We never copy real exam questions or paid prep material.
Can I study in Chinese or Spanish?+
PrepPass practice is in English, 中文 and Español. The official exam is in English — switch the question language to English any time to rehearse the exact terminology you'll see on test day.
Sample practice questions
A few real questions from this free bank, with full explanations. Use the practice tool above for the whole set.
- 1. Acts
A New York client asks the notary to certify that a photocopy of a diploma is a true copy. What is correct?
- a.Certify it for $2
- b.Certify it only with two witnesses
- c.Decline—New York notaries cannot certify copies
- d.Administer an oath instead and then certify
Answer: c
Explanation: New York notaries have no power to certify copies of documents; there is simply no notarial copy certification in New York. This is a classic exam trap. The notary should decline and, if appropriate, suggest the signer obtain a certified copy from the issuing authority.
- 2. Acts
Which act is a New York notary NOT authorized to perform?
- a.Solemnizing a marriage
- b.Taking an acknowledgment
- c.Administering an oath
- d.Taking an affidavit
Answer: a
Explanation: New York notaries may take acknowledgments and affidavits and administer oaths, but they may NOT solemnize marriages or certify copies. Knowing the boundaries of NY notarial authority is frequently tested.
- 3. Id
How should a New York notary establish a signer's identity?
- a.By the signer's word alone
- b.By a credit card
- c.Through personal knowledge or a current government photo ID
- d.By a mailed copy of the ID
Answer: c
Explanation: Identity is established by personal knowledge or satisfactory evidence such as a current government-issued photo ID (driver license, non-driver ID, or passport). The signer must appear in person. If the notary cannot be reasonably certain of identity, the act must be refused.
- 4. Id
A New York notary receives a document by mail already signed, with a request to notarize it. Is this proper?
- a.Yes, if the signature looks genuine
- b.No—the signer must personally appear before the notary
- c.Yes, for acknowledgments only
- d.Yes, if the fee is waived
Answer: b
Explanation: Personal appearance is mandatory. A New York notary may not notarize a signature for a signer who did not appear before the notary at the time of the act. Notarizing a mailed-in signature is misconduct.
- 5. Journal
For which New York notarizations is keeping a record and audio-video recording mandatory?
- a.Traditional paper acknowledgments
- b.Oaths of office
- c.Electronic and remote online notarizations
- d.None
Answer: c
Explanation: New York requires notaries performing electronic or remote online notarizations to keep a record/journal and retain the audio-video recording for the period set by law. These duties are mandatory for e/remote acts, unlike optional journaling for paper acts.
- 6. Prohibited
Issuing a notarial certificate the New York notary knows to be false can result in:
- a.A warning only
- b.Nothing
- c.Removal from office and criminal penalties
- d.A higher fee cap
Answer: c
Explanation: Knowingly executing a false certificate is serious misconduct in New York. It can lead to removal by the Secretary of State, criminal penalties (it can be a misdemeanor), and civil liability to injured parties. Notarial integrity is strictly enforced.
- 7. Commission
Who is exempt from the New York notary exam?
- a.Anyone over 60
- b.Attorneys admitted to practice in New York
- c.County clerks' relatives
- d.Real-estate agents
Answer: b
Explanation: New York attorneys admitted to practice in the state are exempt from the notary exam and may be appointed without taking it. Most other applicants must pass the exam, which is valid for two years, and be a resident or have a NY office.
- 8. Fees
What is the maximum fee a New York notary may charge for taking an acknowledgment?
- a.$15
- b.$2
- c.$10
- d.No limit
Answer: b
Explanation: New York caps the fee at $2 for taking an acknowledgment or proof and $2 for administering an oath or affirmation—among the lowest caps in the country. Charging more than the statutory maximum is prohibited. (The $15 figure is the exam fee, not the per-act fee.)
- 9. Seal
What does New York require in place of a mandatory embossing seal?
- a.A wax seal
- b.A fingerprint
- c.A printed statement with 'Notary Public State of New York,' county, name, and commission expiration
- d.Nothing at all
Answer: c
Explanation: New York does not require an embosser. Instead the notary prints, typewrites, or stamps beneath their signature: 'Notary Public State of New York,' the county of qualification, their name, and the commission expiration date. A rubber stamp with this information is commonly used.
- 10. Enotary
To perform remote online notarizations in New York, a notary must:
- a.Do nothing extra
- b.Register the RON capability with the Department of State and use approved technology
- c.Move out of state
- d.Give up paper notarization
Answer: b
Explanation: A New York notary must register to perform remote online notarizations and use communication technology providing real-time audio-video, identity verification (credential analysis/identity proofing or personal knowledge), and a tamper-evident electronic signature. RON is authorized but regulated.