Notary public (New York)

[5] County clerk employees may be appointed a notary without submitting the customary fees; however, the written examination is required.

New York notaries are empowered to administer oaths and affirmations (including oaths of office),[12] to take affidavits and depositions,[13] to receive and certify acknowledgments or proofs (of execution) of deeds, mortgages and powers of attorney and other instruments in writing.

[4][14] Notaries may also demand acceptance or payment of foreign and inland bills of exchange, promissory notes and obligations in writing.

A notary may, upon request, take a "self-proving affidavit" or an "affidavit of execution" sworn to and signed by the testator and the two (subscribing) witnesses, which will serve as formal proof and testimony of the proper will execution in the probate process at the county surrogate..[17] New York notaries are not ordered to possess or use official marking stamps or seals of any kind.

It is considered a best practice, however, for a professional notary to incorporate the use of a marking inked stamp and official embossing seal.

Travel expense charged is a separate fee, unregulated by law, and is privately negotiated between the notary and client.

These local officials possess limited powers and the acts performed by them may not be accepted in some states or international destinations.