How to Become a Notary Public in New York
Educational summary — verify current requirements and fees with the NY Department of State at dos.ny.gov. Not legal advice.
Do you qualify?
- Be at least 18 years old;
- Be a resident of New York State, or have an office or place of business in NY;
- Have no convictions of certain crimes (the application asks — many issues can be overcome; read the application instructions carefully);
- Be able to read and write English.
Step 1 — Pass the notary exam (attorneys skip this)
Non-attorneys must pass the NY notary public written exam — about an hour, multiple choice, based on the state's Notary Public License Law booklet (free to download from the DOS site — it is the only study material you need, though prep courses exist). Exams are walk-in/scheduled at sites around the state; bring photo ID and the exam fee (currently modest — check the current amount on the DOS site). You'll receive a "pass slip" that stays valid for two years. Attorneys admitted to the NY bar (and certain court clerks) are exempt from the exam.
Step 2 — Apply for your commission
Submit the notary public application to the NY Department of State with the application fee (currently $60) and your pass slip (or bar admission, for attorneys). The oath of office is part of the application. Processing usually takes a few weeks; you'll receive your commission with an ID number, and your county clerk keeps your official signature on file.
Step 3 — Know the rules before your first act
- Journal: since Jan. 25, 2023, every NY notary must keep a record of each notarial act — date, time, act type, the signer's name and address, how you identified them, and more — and retain those records for 10 years(19 NYCRR §182.9). That's exactly what NY Notary Pro does for you.
- Fees: you may charge up to $2 for a standard notarial act ($25 for electronic acts) — Exec. Law §136.
- Stamp/statement: print your name, "Notary Public State of New York," your county, commission expiration, and registration number beneath your signature.
Step 4 (optional) — Register as an electronic notary
Once commissioned, you may register with the DOS as an electronic notary(Exec. Law §135-c) to perform remote online notarizations (RON) using approved identity verification and audio-video technology. Remember: RON session recordings must be kept for 10 years (19 NYCRR §182.8).
Renewal
Your commission lasts 4 years. Since July 1, 2023, renewals go through the NY Department of State — not your county clerk (a common point of confusion; the law changed in 2023). Renew online via NY Business Express (businessexpress.ny.gov) starting 90 days before the expiration date on your notary ID card; no re-exam if you renew on time. NY Notary Pro reminds you automatically at 120, 90, 60, and 30 days before expiration.
Once you're commissioned
Your first legal obligation as a working notary is the journal. Start compliant from day one — open NY Notary Pro free for 30 days: every §182.9 field built in, ID-scan auto-fill, automatic reminders, and exports whenever you need them.
Official resources: NY DOS — Notary Public · NY Notary Public License Law booklet (free download at the same site) · your county clerk's office.