Requires secretary of state and county clerks to accept payment for notary public appointment or reappointment fees in form of cash, money order or checks

Title of bill

An act to amend the executive law, in relation to notary public appointment or reappointment fee payment methods

Purpose or general idea of the bill

This bill would allow people to pay notary license and license renewal fees by personal check, in addition to the currently accepted forms of payment. It would also allow the Department of State and county clerks to accept payment by credit and debit cards, as well as over the internet.

Summary of specific provisions

This bill amends section 131 of the Executive Law, by amending its title and by adding a new subdivision 14.

Justification

Notary license and license renewal fees are currently accepted in the form of a money order, certified check, company check, or bank check. However, many individuals do not have a company paying their fee, and getting a money order, certified check, or bank check imposes a pointless burden and cost on the individual. If the system can accept company checks, and is entrusting notaries to issue oaths, the system ought to be able to accept personal checks from notaries.

This bill would accommodate the convenience of the public and help bring the Department of State and county clerks up to date with modern methods of financial transactions. By accepting renewal fees by credit and debit cards, as well as by internet transactions, paperwork could be drastically reduced.

Prior legislative history

2007-08: A.5414 - Passed Assembly

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the first day of the first month beginning 180 days or more after it shall have become law (provided that the Secretary of State and each county clerk shall take any actions reasonably necessary, including the making of regulations, to implement this act on or before its effective date).