New York Notary Public Exam Preparation

Vocabulary based on the New York Notary Public License Law and exam preparation materials.

Notary Public

Officials appointed by the New York Secretary of State to serve as impartial witnesses and to serve as a deterrent to fraud in connection with the execution of documents.

Acknowledgment

A formal declaration before a notary by a person who has executed a document, acting as a certification of identity and execution.

Affiant

The person signing an affidavit.

Affidavit

A sworn, signed statement that involves the administration of an oath.

Affirmation

A solemn declaration made by persons who decline to take an oath, which is equally as binding as an oath.

Conveyance

The transfer, surrender, or assignment of estate or interest in real property, such as deeds, mortgages, and powers of attorney.

Forgery

The act of falsely making, completing, or altering a written instrument; classified as a Class D felony.

Jurat

A Latin word for the statement "Sworn to before me this ____ day of _____, 2021".

Oath

A verbal pledge to God that the statements made are true.

Statement of Venue

The specific location where the notarization takes place.

Statement of Authority

The text printed under the Notary’s signature that includes the Notary Public title, License Number, County of qualification, and Commission Expiration date.

Notary Exam Passing Score

A score of $70\%$ or higher on the Notary Public Exam.

Notary Public License Fee

A primary fee of $60$ submitted to the NY Secretary of State for a four (4) year term.

Class D Felony (Notary)

A category of crime for committing forgery, carrying a prison term set by the court of no more than $7$ years.

Class E Felony (Notary)

A category of crime for issuing a false certificate, carrying a prison term fixed by the court of no more than $4$ years.

Misdemeanor (Notary)

A crime such as committing fraud, being deceitful, or refusing to administer an oath or affidavit, punishable by up to one (1) year in jail and a fine.

Maximum Notary Fee

The charge of $2.00$ allowed for an Oath, Affirmation, Acknowledgment, Proof of Execution, or Swearing Witness.

Certificate of Official Character

A document issued by the County Clerk to verify a Notary’s qualifications at the time of signing, costing a fee of $1.00$.

Apostille

Something certified for international use.

Proof Certificate

The notary certificate of a witness to the execution of a real estate conveyance.

Jurisdictional Defects

Errors such as acting outside of authorized jurisdiction or having an expired commission that do not necessarily impact the legitimacy of the signed document.

Electronic Notarization

A temporary authorization allowing notarization via video conference provided the signer presents valid photo ID, is physically in NY, and transmits a legible copy of the signed document on the same date.