FOIL-AO-13937

From: Robert Freeman To: Date: 3/13/03 8:01AM Subject: Hi Tom - -

 

I have received your inquiry concerning access to the addresses of notaries public. Although I do not recall having written any opinion on the subject, as you may be aware, the Department of State licenses notaries. Consequently, the issue has arisen here, and it has been advised and it is the practice to disclose the addresses.

In some circumstances, a licensing agency may have two addresses, the business address and the residence address. In those instances, it has been advised that the business address must be disclosed, but that the home address may be withheld to protect privacy. The general notion is that the public has the right to know of the location where the licensed activity is being carried out. It is my understanding that the Department maintains only one address pertaining to notaries, the address given by applicants for licenses when they apply, and that address is routinely disclosed.

If you would like to discuss the matter, please feel free to contact me.

I hope that I have been of assistance.

Robert J. Freeman Executive Director NYS Committee on Open Government 41 State Street Albany, NY 12231 (518) 474-2518 - Phone (518) 474-1927 - Fax Website - www.dos.ny.gov/coog/coogwww.html