New York State Notary Practice Exam 2026 - Free Notary Practice Questions and Study Guide

In New York State, certain convictions can disqualify individuals from becoming a notary public. Specifically, a conviction for a felony, which includes unlawful possession of narcotic drugs, bars someone from serving as a notary. This is part of the regulations intended to ensure that notaries maintain a standard of trustworthiness and integrity.

While there are provisions such as pardons or certificates of good conduct that may restore certain rights after a disqualifying conviction, the fundamental rule is that anyone currently with such a conviction cannot be appointed as a notary. Therefore, if a person has been convicted of unlawful possession of narcotic drugs, they would not be eligible for that role, irrespective of any subsequent legal remediation they might pursue.