New York State Notary Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT a duty typically associated with a notary public?

1. Taking oaths

2. Recording property transactions

3. Verifying signatures

4. Performing marriages

The correct answer is: Performing marriages

The role of a notary public encompasses several essential duties, but performing marriages is not typically one of them. Notaries are primarily tasked with witnessing signatures, taking oaths, and verifying the authenticity of documents. Their responsibilities focus on the prevention of fraud in transactions involving legal documents. In contrast, the authority to perform marriages may be granted to specific individuals such as clergy, judges, or other designated officiants, but this duty does not fall within the standard functions of a notary public. Thus, conducting marriage ceremonies is not part of a notary's typical responsibilities. Understanding the core obligations of a notary helps clarify why performing marriages is not included in the list of standard duties.