New York Notary Public Exam — All Questions

A New York notary is named as the grantee in a deed presented for acknowledgment. What should the notary do?

• a.Notarize it for $2
• b.Decline—the notary is a party with a disqualifying interest✓
• c.Notarize it if a witness is present
• d.Certify a copy instead

A notary who is a party to the instrument or has a direct beneficial/financial interest is disqualified from notarizing it. As the grantee, the notary has a clear interest and must decline. Doing otherwise is misconduct and can void the act.

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

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.