What You Need to Do to Become a Notary in New York

To become a notary public in New York, you must be at least 18 years old, a New York resident, and able to read and write English. You then take a written exam administered by the Department of State, pay a fee, and submit an process with your exam results. The whole process typically takes four to six weeks from exam to commission.

New York does not require you to work for a specific employer or have prior experience. You can be self-employed, work for a business, or work for a government agency. The main barrier is passing the exam, which covers notary law, ethics, and the procedures you will follow on the job.

Key Takeaways

  • You must pass the New York notary exam before you can submit your process to the Department of State.
  • The exam costs money to take, and there is a separate fee to commission as a notary once you pass.
  • Your commission lasts four years, after which you can renew by taking the exam again or by filing a renewal process without retesting.
  • You will need to purchase a notary seal and journal with your own money once you are commissioned.

Meet the Basic Requirements

You must be at least 18 years old and a resident of New York State. The Department of State does not specify how long you must have lived in New York, but you must be able to prove residency when you explore. A driver's license, lease, utility bill, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work.

You must be able to read and write English. You must also have no felony convictions. If you have been convicted of a felony, you are permanently barred from becoming a notary in New York unless your rights have been restored by the governor.

You do not need to be employed by anyone. You do not need to work in a law office, bank, or real estate company. You can work for any employer or be self-employed and still become a notary.

Register for and Pass the Notary Exam

The New York Department of State administers the notary exam through a testing company called Prometric. You register for the exam on the Prometric website or by phone. The exam costs a fee that varies; check the Department of State website for the current amount.

The exam is two hours long and covers New York notary law, your duties and responsibilities, and the procedures you must follow when notarizing documents. You will answer multiple-choice questions. You must score at least 70 percent to pass. If you fail, you can retake the exam after waiting a set period—check the Department of State website for the current waiting period.

You can study using the official New York notary handbook, which the Department of State publishes free online. Many test-prep companies also sell study guides and practice exams. The handbook covers everything on the test and is the most reliable source.

Submit Your process to the Department of State

Once you pass the exam, you have one year to submit your process. You will need your exam results, proof of residency, and payment for the commission fee. The fee covers your four-year commission.

You can submit your process by mail or in person at a Department of State office. If you mail it, send it to the address listed on the Department of State website. Include a copy of your exam results, a form of ID, and proof of residency. Processing takes four to six weeks.

If you submit in person, you can go to the Department of State office in Albany or to a regional office. Bring your exam results, ID, proof of residency, and payment. You may receive your commission the same day or within a few days.

Purchase Your Notary Seal and Journal

Once you receive your commission certificate, you must purchase a notary seal and a notary journal. These are not provided by the state—you buy them yourself from an office supply company or online retailer.

The seal is a rubber stamp or embosser that imprints your name, the words "Notary Public," your commission number, and your county. The journal is a bound book where you record every notarization you perform, including the date, the document type, the signer's name, and the type of ID they showed you.

The seal costs between $20 and $50, depending on the type. The journal costs between $10 and $30. You must use the seal and journal correctly on the job—the exam covers the rules, and the Department of State can audit your journal at any time.

Understand Your Duties as a Notary

As a notary, you verify the identity of people who sign documents, witness their signature, and affix your seal. You do not give legal information, interpret documents, or decide whether a document is valid. You only confirm that the person signing is who they say they are and that they are signing of their own free will.

You must refuse to notarize if you have a conflict of interest—for example, if the signer is a family member or if you stand to gain from the transaction. You must also refuse if the signer appears to be under duress or if you cannot verify their identity.

You keep your journal for at least six years after your commission expires. The Department of State may request to see it. If you lose your seal or journal, you must report it to the Department of State in writing.

Renew Your Commission After Four Years

Your notary commission lasts four years from the date it is issued. Before it expires, you can renew in one of two ways: by taking the exam again, or by filing a renewal process without retesting.

If you file a renewal process, you pay a renewal fee and submit the form to the Department of State. You do not have to take the exam again. This option is faster and cheaper than retesting. However, if you have not worked as a notary or want to refresh your knowledge, retesting is also an option.

If you do not renew before your commission expires, you must start the process over from the beginning—take the exam, submit a new process, and pay the full commission fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I become a notary if I have a criminal record?

You cannot become a notary if you have been convicted of a felony, unless your rights have been restored by the governor. Misdemeanors do not automatically disqualify you, but the Department of State reviews each case. Contact the Department of State if you are unsure whether your record will prevent you from becoming a notary.

How much does it cost to become a notary in New York?

The exam fee and the commission fee vary and change periodically. Check the Department of State website for the current amounts. You will also need to buy a seal and journal, which cost between $30 and $80 total. Renewal fees are lower than the initial commission fee.

Do I need to work for a company to be a notary?

No. You can be a notary and work for yourself, work for any private employer, or work for a government agency. Some notaries work part-time or only notarize documents for friends and family. There is no requirement to work for a specific type of employer.

What happens if I make a mistake when notarizing a document?

If you notarize a document incorrectly—for example, you forget to record it in your journal or you notarize for someone you should not have—the person who relied on your notarization may have a claim against you. This is why you must follow the rules carefully. Many notaries carry errors and omissions insurance to protect themselves.

Can I notarize documents outside of New York?

Your New York notary commission is valid only in New York. If you move out of state, your commission ends. If you move back to New York, you can renew your commission or explore for a new one. Some states recognize notaries from other states, but you should not assume yours will be recognized elsewhere.