Applicants who want to become a New York Notary Public must take the following steps:
- Meet the state's eligibility requirements.
- Learn New York's Notary Public License Law.
- Pass the one-hour NYS Notary Public Examination.
- Get your oath of office form notarized.
- Complete the application online.
- Buy your Notary journal.
About the New York Notary Process
The commission term for a New York Notary is four years. Below is more information on applying for a Notary Public commission in the Empire State.
Cost to Become a Notary in New York
The cost to become a Notary in New York ranges between $107 - $132. The total cost varies based on where you purchase your Notary journal.
| Expense |
Cost |
| Exam fee |
$15 |
| Oath form notarization |
$2 |
| Application fee |
$60 |
| Notary journal |
$30 - $55 |
| Total Cost |
$107 - $132 |
Commission Processing Time
It takes about 3-5 business days for NY Notary Public commission applications to be processed, according to the Division of Licensing Services.
New York Notary Requirements
Wondering how you can qualify to become an NY Notary? Read on below.
Eligibility
Every New York Notary applicant must meet the following requirements. You must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a person of good moral character
- Reside within the state or maintain a business office in New York
- Have the equivalent of a "common school education"
- Not be convicted of a crime unless the Secretary of State finds that the crime committed doesn't bar you from commission
Who is ineligible to become an NY Notary?
The Secretary of State may determine whether or not an applicant should be disqualified for a crime.
Sheriffs cannot be Notaries because they are barred from holding another public office.
Notary Training
New York Notaries are not required to take any specific training courses. It's your responsibility to understand the Notary Public License Law, which is available on the website of the New York Department of State's Division of Licensing Services.
Exam
Applicants for a New York Notary commission must pass a one-hour, closed-book, proctored exam. The multiple-choice test is based on the Notary Public License Law.
- Before taking the exam, review test center policies.
- On the day of the exam, bring your ID, two no. 2 pencils and the $15 fee to the test site.
- After taking the exam, you’ll receive your test pass slip in the mail. This slip must be submitted with your application.
Current members of the New York State Bar Association or court clerks of the Unified Court System who have passed the civil service promotional exam are exempt.
Where can I take the Notary Public exam in NY?
Exams are administered at various locations throughout the state and are provided regularly in the following cities: Albany, Binghamton, Buffalo, Franklin Square, Hauppauge, New York City, Plattsburgh, Rochester, Syracuse and Utica.
Examination schedules are posted on the Department's website in January and July of each year. Seating is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
For testing schedules and complete instructions, visit the Division of Licensing Services.
Oath of Office
Print the oath of office form and take it to a current NY Notary to complete this step.
Application
Create an NY Business Express account to complete and submit your Notary Public application. Include your notarized oath form, the $60 application fee and your exam pass slip.
You may check your application status in your NY Business Express account.
Notary Supplies
New York Notaries are required to record all notarial acts they perform in a journal.
While New York doesn't require a stamp, using a Notary stamp is considered an industry best practice.
For a seal, you may include the following information:
- Your name as it appears on your commission
- The words "Notary Public for the State of New York"
- The county in which you qualified for a commission (optional)
- Your commission expiration date (optional)
- The words "Certificate filed…County" (optional)
All of this information must be either printed, typewritten or stamped below your signature on every notarial certificate.
New York Notary Public FAQs
Have more questions about being a New York Notary? We've got you covered.
Which state government office handles Notaries?
The New York Department of State, Division of Licensing Services, located in Albany, NY, handles Notaries.
Department of State
One Commerce Plaza, 99 Washington Ave
Albany, NY 12231-0001
When the Secretary of State commissions you as a Notary Public, your commission, original oath and signature are forwarded to the appropriate county clerk so the public can access and verify your commission.
If I live in another state but work in New York, may I become a New York Notary?
Yes. If you have an office or a place of business in the state, you may become commissioned as a Notary in New York.
What is a surety bond? Do I need one?
A surety bond is a promise to pay anyone harmed if you fail to honestly, diligently and faithfully discharge your responsibilities as a Notary. New York does not require a surety bond.
You may choose to get an optional errors and omissions (E&O) insurance policy to protect yourself from legal liability if your notarial acts are ever called into question.
Who can I notarize for?
You may notarize for any member of the public who presents acceptable identification, excluding yourself. You're prohibited from notarizing a document in which you are a party to or directly and pecuniarily interested.
Although the law doesn't specifically prohibit Notaries from notarizing documents for family members, it could be challenged if the Notary is found to have an interest in, or benefit from, the transaction.
How much can New York Notaries charge for their services?
NY Notaries may charge a maximum fee of $2 for most notarial acts.
What happens if I move or change my name?
If you change your address or name, you must notify the Division of Licensing Services of the change by submitting a form and $10 fee. The Division will correct your public record to reflect your new address and/or name.
For name changes, you must provide proof of the change, such as:
- Court order
- Marriage certificate
- Driver's license
- Non-driver's ID card
- Valid passport
- Immigration documents
Name changes resulting from a change in marital status don’t require a fee.
When renewing your commission, use your new name to avoid any confusion.
How do I renew my New York Notary commission?
To renew your commission, submit your application and fees to the Department of State. You may begin the renewal process as early as 90 days before your current commission expires.
What do I need to know about remote online notarization in New York?
Effective January 31, 2023, remote online notarization for New York Notaries is allowed. Notaries with a current NY commission may perform a remote notarization for signers located within or outside of New York as long as the Notaries themselves are physically present within the state during the notarial act.
This step-by-step guide has everything you need to know about becoming a remote online Notary in New York.
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Last updated: Jul 24, 2024