New York State Notary Practice Exam

Which of the following is not a responsibility of a notary public?

1. Taking acknowledgments

2. Executing wills

3. Administering oaths

4. Witnessing signatures

The correct answer is: Executing wills

The correct response is that executing wills is not a responsibility of a notary public. In New York, notaries are primarily responsible for performing specific tasks related to the verification and authentication of documents, such as taking acknowledgments, administering oaths, and witnessing signatures. While a notary can provide support in the signing process of various documents, including wills, they do not have the authority to execute or create wills themselves. The execution of wills typically involves specific legal procedures and is often carried out by individuals who are legal practitioners, such as attorneys, who can provide comprehensive legal guidance on estate planning. Therefore, engaging in the execution of wills falls outside the defined duties of a notary, making this option accurate in identifying a task that is not part of a notary's responsibilities.