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Notary Public
The County Clerk's Office maintains records of all notaries public that are licensed and commissioned in and for Yates County.
Beginning January 25th, 2023, all notaries, including those notaries that only provide traditional in person services, are required to keep a journal of all notarial acts performed which includes the type of identification provided, for 10 years. Additionally, electronic notaries must maintain a journal of all notarial acts as well as an audio & video record of all electronic notarial acts performed.
What information must be maintained in the journal?
“Traditional” notary journal must include:
(1) the date, approximate time, and type of notarial acts performed
(2) the name and address of any individuals for whom a notarial act was performed
(3) the number and type of notarial services provided
(4) the type of credential used to identify the principal, including, for verification made where a notary relies on the oath or affirmation of two witnesses who identify themselves with a valid government issued ID and who know the document signer personally, the names of the witnesses and, if applicable, the type of credential used
(5) the verification procedures used for any personal appearance before the notary public
“Electronic” notary journal must include:
(1) the date, approximate time, and type of notarial acts performed
(2) the name and address of any individuals for whom a notarial act was performed
(3) the number and type of notarial services provided
(4) the type of credential used to identify the principal, including, for verification made where a notary relies on the oath or affirmation of two witnesses who identify themselves with a valid government issued ID and who know the document signer personally, the names of the witnesses and, if applicable, the type of credential used
(5) the verification procedures used for any personal appearance before the notary public
(6) for electronic notarial acts, identification of the communication technology, certification authority, and verification providers used
(7) an actual audio/video recording of the act
New Notary Applications
Applications for new notaries public and test schedules are available at the County Clerk's Office. Also available are changes of address and name cards.
Renewals
Once the original license has been issued by the New York State Division of Licenses, all subsequent renewals may be processed at the County Clerk's Office. Notary Public terms are four years with a renewal fee of $60 payable to the Yates County Clerk.
The preprinted renewal notice is mailed by the County Clerk to the notary and must be completed and signed before a qualified notary. The renewal notice can then be mailed back to the County Clerk's Office with the appropriate fee. Or, the renewal notice may be brought to the County Clerk's office by the applicant and signed before the County Clerk or one of the notaries public in the County Clerk's Office.
Once renewed the notary may start to use the new expiration date of commission and within approximately six weeks the New York State Division of Licenses will mail a new card to the notary public.