New York Notary Public Exam
Prohibited acts and misconduct: practice questions
Our New York Notary bank has 13 questions on this topic. Here are 5 of them with answers; the full mock exam draws from every topic, like the real one.
Question 1
What can happen to a New York notary for misconduct?
- Nothing; once granted, a commission can't be taken away for any reason
- The Secretary of State may suspend or remove them after a hearing
- Only a warning letter is possible
- The county clerk may fine them $5
Show the answer
B. The Secretary of State may suspend or remove them after a hearing — Misconduct includes false certificates and overcharging.
Question 2
May a New York notary take the acknowledgment of a document in which they are a party?
- Yes, if they disclose their interest on the notarial certificate
- Yes, for family documents only
- Yes, if the document is under $1,000
- No, a notary may not act where they have a direct interest
Show the answer
D. No, a notary may not act where they have a direct interest — An interested notary is disqualified.
Question 3
A notary is an employee of a corporation. May they take an acknowledgment for a document executed by the corporation?
- No, never, because the notary is an employee of the corporation
- Yes, unless the notary is personally a party to the document
- Yes, but only if they own shares
- Only with a court order
Show the answer
B. Yes, unless the notary is personally a party to the document — Executive Law allows corporate notaries to act for the corporation if they aren't a party.
Question 4
May a New York notary who is not an attorney give legal advice?
- Yes, about simple documents
- Yes, as long as the customer insists and no fee is charged
- Yes, if they have been a notary for 10 years
- No, that is the unauthorized practice of law
Show the answer
D. No, that is the unauthorized practice of law — Notaries may not draw legal papers or advise on legal matters.
Question 5
What may a non-attorney New York notary who advertises in a language other than English NOT do?
- Use the term 'notario publico' or similar terms
- Post their office hours
- List their fees in the advertisement
- Advertise their notary services in that language at all
Show the answer
A. Use the term 'notario publico' or similar terms — They must also post a notice that they are not an attorney.