Every corporation shall issue to each member, upon full payment therefor, a certificate of membership (whether evidenced by stock or otherwise) which shall not be transferable otherwise than as may be prescribed in this chapter, the certificate of incorporation and by-laws. The corporation may accept as full or partial payment a member's promissory note, but shall hold the certificate as security for payment, without, however, affecting the member's right to vote unless such note is past due.
New York Legal Code