Notary Public
NOTE:
If you have sent in your notary renewal card and check, please be advised that it has been forwarded to the Secretary of State. Once your check has cleared, you may continue notarizing extending your expiration date (writing in the date) by four years once your current term expires. The Secretary of State will mail you your new notary card and update its website with the new information. This process can take the Secretary of State six to eight months. For more information, please contact the Secretary of State.
A notary public (or notary or public notary) is a public officer constituted by law to serve the public in non-controversial matters usually concerned with estates, deeds, powers-of-attorney, and foreign and international business.
Notary Public's operate under the auspices of the NYS Department of State, Division of Licensing Services. However, the Suffolk County Clerk plays an important role in the Notary Public process.
Upon passing an examination administered by the Department of State, paying the appropriate fees and completing the required paperwork, an Oath of Office card is sent to the Suffolk County Clerk from the NYS Secretary of State. This card is maintained in the Notary Division, where it will be filed.
After a Notary's card is on file the Suffolk County Clerk may be asked to verify the authenticity of a Notary's signature. Authentication of a Notary Public's signature is often required when foreign and other jurisdictions are involved.
