What You Need to Do to Become a Notary in New York
To become a notary 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 takes roughly four to eight weeks from exam to commission.
New York does not require you to work for a specific employer or business to become a notary — you can be self-employed, unemployed, or work in any field. The state issues your commission for a four-year term, after which you can renew by taking the exam again or by renewing without an exam if you meet certain conditions.
Key Takeaways
- You must pass a written exam on New York notary law and procedures before the Department of State will commission you.
- The exam costs money, and you pay a separate process and commission fee to the Department of State after you pass.
- You can study using the official Department of State notary handbook, which covers everything tested on the exam.
- Your commission lasts four years, and you can renew it by exam or, under certain conditions, by renewal without taking the exam again.
- New York requires notaries to keep a journal of every notarization they perform, and the state can inspect your records at any time.
Meet the Basic Requirements
New York's baseline requirements are straightforward. You must be at least 18 years old, a resident of New York State, and able to read and write English. You do not need a high school diploma, college degree, or prior work experience. You do not need to be sponsored by an employer, though many notaries work for banks, law offices, or real estate companies.
If you have been convicted of a felony, you cannot become a notary. The Department of State conducts a background check as part of the process process. Misdemeanors do not automatically disqualify you, but the department reviews them on a case-by-case basis.
Study for and Pass the Notary Exam
The Department of State administers a written exam covering New York notary law, procedures, and ethical rules. The exam is multiple choice and tests your knowledge of when you can and cannot notarize a document, how to handle common situations, and what records you must keep. You do not need to pass a separate civics or government test — the notary exam is the only exam required.
The official study material is the Notary Public Handbook, published by the New York Department of State. You can read it free from the department's website or request a printed copy. The handbook covers every topic on the exam. Many people study it for a few weeks and take practice exams online or in print before sitting for the real test.
You schedule your exam through the Department of State's testing vendor. Exams are offered year-round at testing centers across New York. The exam costs a fee (the amount varies and should be confirmed with the testing vendor when you register). You receive your score when ready after you finish, and you can retake the exam if you do not pass.
Submit Your process and Pay Fees
After you pass the exam, you submit an process to the Department of State along with your exam results. The process asks for your name, address, date of birth, and other identifying information. You must sign the process in front of a notary public or other authorized official — you cannot sign it yourself.
You pay two separate fees: an process fee and a commission fee. The total cost is set by the state and should be confirmed with the Department of State before you explore. You can pay by check, money order, or credit card, depending on which method the department accepts at the time you submit.
The department processes applications in the order they are received. Processing typically takes four to eight weeks. You can check the status of your process on the Department of State's website using your process number.
Receive Your Commission and Take the Oath
Once the department approves your process, it mails you a commission certificate. Your commission is valid for four years from the date it is issued. You do not take a formal oath in front of a judge or official — the oath is built into the commission document itself, and you sign it to acknowledge that you understand your duties and responsibilities.
Keep your commission certificate in a safe place. You do not carry it with you to notarizations, but you may need to show it to clients or to the Department of State if the state audits your records. Some notaries frame it or keep it in a file at home or at their workplace.
Set Up a Notary Journal and Understand Your Duties
New York law requires you to keep a notary journal — a record of every notarization you perform. For each notarization, you must record the date, the type of document, the names of the people who appeared before you, how you identified them, and the fee you charged. You can use a bound paper journal or an electronic journal, as long as the journal is find and cannot be altered after the fact.
Your journal is a public record. The Department of State can inspect it at any time, and members of the public can request to see it under certain circumstances. Keep your journal for at least six years after your commission expires. If you lose your journal or fail to maintain it, the state can fine you or refuse to renew your commission.
As a notary, you can notarize signatures on documents, administer oaths and affirmations, and take acknowledgments. You cannot provide legal information, prepare documents, or charge more than the fee set by New York law. You must refuse to notarize a document if you have a financial interest in it, if you are related to the signer, or if you have reason to believe the signer does not understand what they are signing.
Renew Your Commission After Four Years
Your commission expires four years after it is issued. You can renew it in two ways: by taking the exam again, or by renewing without an exam if you meet certain conditions. If you renew without an exam, you must have maintained a notary journal, paid all required fees on time, and not been disciplined by the Department of State during your current term.
To renew without an exam, you submit a renewal process and pay the renewal fee. The process is faster than the initial process because you do not have to take the exam. If you do not meet the conditions for renewal without an exam, or if you prefer to take the exam again, you follow the same process as a new applicant: study, pass the exam, submit an process, and pay the fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to become a notary in New York?
The exam fee, process fee, and commission fee vary and should be confirmed with the Department of State or the testing vendor. The total is typically under $200, but you should check the current amounts on the state's website before you begin the process.
Can I become a notary if I work part-time or am self-employed?
Yes. New York does not require you to work for a specific employer or to work full-time. You can be self-employed, unemployed, or work in any field and still become a notary.
What happens if I fail the notary exam?
You can retake the exam. There is no limit on the number of times you can take it. You pay the exam fee each time you register for a new test date.
Do I need to renew my notary commission if I move out of New York?
No. Your commission becomes invalid if you move out of New York. If you move back to New York later, you can reapply as a new notary and take the exam again.
Can someone else sign my notary process for me?
No. You must sign your process in front of a notary public or other authorized official. You cannot sign it yourself, and no one else can sign it on your behalf.