New York State Notary Practice Exam

Can a person convicted of unlawfully possessing or distributing habit-forming narcotic drugs be appointed as a notary public?

1. Yes

2. No

3. Only under certain conditions

4. Yes, if they have served their sentence

The correct answer is: No

In New York State, individuals with certain criminal convictions, particularly those related to the unlawful possession or distribution of habit-forming narcotic drugs, are disqualified from being appointed as a notary public. This is due to the legal requirement that a notary must have a "good moral character." A conviction connected to the distribution of narcotics indicates a serious legal violation, which directly impacts the assessment of an individual's trustworthiness and ethical standards necessary for the responsibilities of a notary. While there may be other offenses where individuals can potentially regain eligibility under specific conditions, convictions related to narcotics are considered serious enough to impose an absolute barrier to appointment. This maintains the integrity of the notarial office, ensuring that only individuals who demonstrate a commitment to lawful conduct are entrusted with such responsibilities.