A county clerk may authenticate a notarial signature upon request and payment of the statutory fee.
A certificate of official character may be filed in another county clerk's office for broader authentication convenience.
A certificate of official character is issued only by the Secretary of State and never by a county clerk.
A county clerk authentication certificate may help make the instrument recordable or readable in evidence where needed.
Official source: Notary Public License Law (March 2026)
Reference: Executive Law §132
Source checked September 7, 2026 · Answer reviewed September 7, 2026
Correct Answer
C. A certificate of official character is issued only by the Secretary of State and never by a county clerk.
Detailed Explanation
County clerks also issue official-character certificates. Executive Law §132 authorizes both the Secretary of State and the county clerk of the county where the commission is filed to certify the official character of a notary. Not to be confused with §133, which deals with certification of notarial signatures on particular instruments.
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