New York State Notary Practice Exam

Can a person with a misdemeanor conviction be appointed as a notary public?

1. Yes, it is allowed for misdemeanors

2. No, they cannot if convicted of any misdemeanor

3. Only if the misdemeanor is unrelated to honesty

4. Yes, if it is more than five years old

The correct answer is: Yes, it is allowed for misdemeanors

A person with a misdemeanor conviction can indeed be appointed as a notary public in New York State, which makes the selected answer correct. The law does not disqualify individuals from serving as notaries due to a misdemeanor conviction, unlike felony convictions, which can lead to disqualification. Therefore, many individuals with misdemeanor records are still eligible, provided their misdemeanor does not involve moral turpitude or matters directly related to honesty and integrity in performing notarial duties. Focusing specifically on the other options: The assertion that a person cannot be appointed if convicted of any misdemeanor is inaccurate because it does not reflect the nuances of New York law regarding misdemeanor convictions. Additionally, suggesting that only those with misdemeanors unrelated to honesty might be eligible does not encapsulate the broader policy that generally allows for appointment despite a misdemeanor record. Lastly, stating that eligibility is contingent upon the misdemeanor being more than five years old is also incorrect, as there is no such time restriction in the law concerning misdemeanor convictions in relation to notary appointment.