New York State Notary Practice Exam

Can a notary public from New York State continue serving if they maintain a business in NYS after moving out of state?

1. Yes, as long as they register with the Secretary of State

2. No, they must be a resident of NYS

3. Yes, as long as they notify the Secretary of State

4. No, they lose their notary commission automatically

The correct answer is: Yes, as long as they register with the Secretary of State

The correct answer is that a notary public from New York State must be a resident of New York State to maintain their notary commission. The requirement for notaries in New York clearly states that notaries must reside within the state during their tenure. Therefore, if a notary moves out of state, they cannot continue serving as a notary for New York. While the completion of registration with the Secretary of State may be an important aspect in other contexts, it does not permit a former resident who has moved out of state to retain their notary public status. A notary who relocates outside of New York effectively loses the privilege to act as a notary in the state, highlighting the importance of maintaining residency for the role. This premise ensures that notary publics are familiar with local laws and regulations, which can vary significantly from one jurisdiction to another.