Free NY Notary Public Study Guide - All Three Exam Topics Covered
Everything you need to know to pass the NY notary public exam, explained in plain English. No legal jargon. Just the facts you need in a format you can actually use.
Part 1 - License Law
Approximately 60% of exam questions. Master this section first.
Who Can Become a New York Notary Public
- +At least 18 years old
- +US citizen or permanent resident alien
- +NY State resident OR have a regular place of business in NY
- +No disqualifying felony (pardon removes this disability)
- +No disqualifying misdemeanor conviction
- +Sufficient English proficiency
- +Equivalent of common school education
Exam exemptions: NY-licensed attorneys and court clerks (after passing the civil service exam) are exempt from the written notary exam. Prohibited: Sheriffs cannot be notaries. Commissioners of elections and legislature members CAN be notaries.
Critical Fees to Memorize
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Exam fee | $15 |
| Application fee | $60 |
| Renewal fee | $60 |
| Name or address change | $10 |
| Duplicate ID card | $10 |
| Certificate of Official Character (Secretary of State) | $10 |
| Certificate of Official Character (County Clerk) | $5 |
| Filing certificate in another county | $10 |
| Acknowledgment per person | $2 |
| Oath or affirmation | $2 |
| RON (remote online notarization) | Up to $25 |
Misconduct and Removal
The Secretary of State may remove a notary for misconduct, misrepresentation, fraud, or upon a disqualifying conviction. The process requires:
- The notary must be served a copy of the charges
- The notary must have an opportunity to be heard
- Removal is by the Secretary of State, not a court
Part 2 - General Terms You Must Know
Approximately 25% of exam questions. Learn each definition and the exam trap.
Acknowledgment
A notary's certification that a person appeared and declared they signed a document voluntarily. Does NOT involve an oath.
Affidavit
A written statement sworn to under oath before a notary. DOES involve an oath.
Affirmation
Alternative to an oath for those with religious objections. Has the exact same legal weight as an oath.
Affiant
The person who makes and swears to an affidavit.
Jurat
The notary certificate at the bottom of an affidavit. Contains the phrase "sworn to before me." Confirms an oath was administered.
Deposition
Sworn testimony taken outside of court in a civil proceeding, before a notary.
Lien
A legal claim against property as security for a debt.
Mortgage
A lien against real property securing repayment of a loan.
Deed
A document that transfers ownership of real property from one person to another.
Conveyance
A transfer of interest in real property. Broader than a deed.
Power of Attorney
A document authorizing one person (agent) to act on behalf of another (principal).
Executor
The person named in a will to carry out its instructions.
Administrator
A person appointed by a court to manage an estate when there is no will.
Codicil
An amendment or addition to a will.
Testator
The person who made a will.
Part 3 - Duties and Functions
Approximately 15% of exam questions. Focus on what notaries CAN and CANNOT do.
What a Notary CAN Do
- +Administer oaths and affirmations
- +Take and certify acknowledgments
- +Take proof of execution of written instruments
- +Take depositions in civil proceedings
- +Demand acceptance or payment of negotiable instruments (protest)
What a Notary CANNOT Do
- -Practice law (give legal advice, draft legal documents)
- -Administer an oath to themselves
- -Charge more than the statutory fee
- -Act before taking the Oath of Office
- -Notarize when they have a financial interest in the document
Part 4 - Test-Taking Strategy
Use these tactics on exam day to maximize your score.
The “NOT” Question Trap
Some questions ask “which of the following is NOT...” or “which is the EXCEPTION.” Read these carefully. The correct answer is the one that does NOT belong. This trips up many test-takers who miss the “NOT.”
Memorize Exact Dollar Amounts
Fee questions are precise. “$10” and “$5” are different answers. Use the fee table above until you know every amount by heart. The exam loves fee questions.
Time Management
You have 90 seconds per question but most people use 30-45 seconds. If you are unsure, flag the question, move on, and return. Do not spend more than 2 minutes on any single question.
Frequently Asked Questions
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