An instrument is a written legal document that gives formal expression to a legal act or agreement.
A deed is one kind of instrument.
An instrument means only a negotiable note and never includes a deed or power of attorney.
The term can appear in both Executive Law and Real Property Law discussions.
Official source: Notary Public License Law (March 2026)
Reference: Legal Terms & Definitions
Source checked September 7, 2026 · Answer reviewed September 7, 2026
Correct Answer
C. An instrument means only a negotiable note and never includes a deed or power of attorney.
Detailed Explanation
The term 'instrument' is broader than commercial paper alone. In the booklet's definitions section, an instrument is a written legal document formally expressing a legal act or agreement. For contrast, a deed, mortgage, or power of attorney may all be instruments, even though not every instrument is negotiable paper.
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