Below is more information on applying for a Notary Public commission in the Empire State.
How much does it cost to become a Notary in New York?
The application costs $60 and the written exam is $15. Prices for optional items, such as education, an E&O insurance policy and Notary seals, vary depending on the Notary vendor you choose.
How long does the commissioning process take?
It takes about four to six weeks for your Notary application to be received and approved, per the Division of Licensing Services.
The entire process may take longer depending on how much time you need to study for the exam, which you must pass before applying to become a Notary.
How long does a NY Notary commission last?
The commission term for a New York Notary is four years.
Wondering how you can qualify to become an NY Notary? Read on below.
Who can become a New York Notary?
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 has latitude to 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.
What kind of training will I need?
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. The National Notary Assocation provides an online course to help you prepare for your exam.
Do I need to take an exam?
Yes. You must pass a one-hour, closed-book, proctored exam. The multiple-choice test is based on the Notary Public License Law. Examination schedules are posted on the Department's website in January and July of each year. 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.
Testing schedules and complete instructions are posted on the Division of Licensing Services website. Seating is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Registering for the NYS Notary exam, providing thumbprints and the $15 fee are handled on the day of the exam.
What kind of supplies will I need?
While New York doesn't require a Notary stamp, a journal is required for all notarial acts performed effective on January 25, 2023.
Using both are considered industry best practices and are extremely helpful if you're ever named in a lawsuit.
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.
Be sure to check the fine print and product quality before buying your supplies. Some vendors may package items with additional or hidden fees – processing fees for example. When you're deciding which journal to buy, look for security features like tamper-proof sewn binding.
Training courses, books and live expert assistance are often must-haves for new Notaries who are learning how to perform their duties.
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.
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. When the Secretary of State approves you as a Notary Public applicant, 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.
Although New York does not require training, where can I get it?
Who can I 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 can 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 may notify the Division of Licensing Services of the change by completing a Change Notice form and submitting a $10 fee. The Division will correct your public record to reflect your new address and/or name.
Notaries are required within 5 days after a change of name, address, or e-mail address, to transmit a notice of the change to the SOS, signed with the Notary's official signature. When you renew your commission, you should use your new name to avoid any confusion. If you'd like to change your name on your current commission, you must provide proof of your name change (court order, marriage certificate, driver's license, non-driver's ID card, valid passport or immigration documents). There is no fee for name changes due to a change in marital status.
How do I renew my New York Notary commission?
You may begin the renewal process as early as 90 days before your current commission expires. Effective June 30, 2023, renewal applicants are required to submit their application and fees to the Secretary of State.
Do I need a background screening?
If you choose to become a Notary Signing Agent, you must pass an annual background screening. The office of court administration charges $95 for the service.
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.
Notaries are required to keep a journal and an audiovisual recording. For remote notarization of an electronic document, a digital certificate is required. Notaries may charge a maximum of $25 for a remote notarization.
If you're not quite ready yet, we have additional resources where you can learn what a Notary is, what they do and why you should become a commissioned Notary.