Commissioner of Deeds can only perform the functions authorized by NYS Department of State Executive Law § 142 within the City of Watertown. A Commissioner generally witnesses signatures and administers oaths. He or she may not witness a signature of a bill of exchange, promissory note, or will. A Commissioner may sign as a witness only where it indicates Commissioner of Deeds or Notary Public, but not where it specifies Notary Public only.
In order to be eligible for a Commissioner of Deeds, the individual needs to be the following:
Please submit a completed Commissioner of Deeds Application along with the fee of $25 to the City Clerk’s Office. The applicant’s signature on this application must be witnessed by either a Commissioner of Deeds or a Notary Public.
A resolution appointing the applicant will be considered by City Council at a Regular City Council meeting prior to the Commissioner of Deeds' term ending on December 31st of the even years. If the appointment is approved, a Commissioner of Deeds Certificate will be mailed to the applicant.
The applicant will need to file the Commissioner of Deeds Certificate along with an oath of office at the Jefferson County Clerk’s Office, 175 Arsenal Street, Watertown, NY 13601 within 30 days of their appointment.
