New York Notary Public Exam — All Questions

Does New York require a notary to keep a journal for traditional paper notarizations?

• a.Yes, for every act
• b.No, but keeping a record is a recommended best practice✓
• c.Yes, but only for acknowledgments
• d.No, and records are prohibited

New York does not mandate a journal for traditional paper acts, though keeping a record (date, type, document, signer, identification method) is a strong best practice that protects the notary if an act is challenged. Journaling IS required for electronic/remote acts.

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

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.

Why do many New York notaries keep a voluntary journal?

• a.It provides evidence protecting the notary if an act is later challenged✓
• b.It is legally required for all acts
• c.It lets them certify copies
• d.It raises the fee cap

A voluntary journal creates a contemporaneous record of each act—who appeared, what was signed, and how they were identified—which protects the notary against later claims of fraud or improper notarization. New York recommends but does not require it for paper acts.