New York requires in-person testing, so you cannot become a notary entirely online
New York State does not allow you to take the notary exam online or complete the entire process remotely. You must pass a written exam at a testing center in person, and you must explore through the New York Department of State in Albany. However, you can complete the study and training portion online before you sit for the exam.
The path is: take an online notary course, study the New York Notary Public handbook, pass the state exam in person at an approved testing center, then submit your process to the Department of State with the required documents and fees. The whole process typically takes four to eight weeks from start to finish.
Key Takeaways
- New York requires a passing score on a state exam administered in person at a testing center; online courses prepare you for this exam but do not replace it.
- You must be at least 18 years old, a New York resident, and able to read and write English to become a notary in New York.
- Online notary courses cost between $20 and $100 and teach New York law, notary duties, and exam content, but the state does not mandate any specific course.
- After passing the exam, you submit your process to the New York Department of State with a $60 fee and required documents, and your commission lasts four years.
- The exam covers New York Penal Law sections on notary fraud, the Notary Public handbook rules, and practical scenarios about when you can and cannot notarize documents.
What you need before you start
You must be at least 18 years old, a resident of New York State, and able to read and write English. You cannot become a notary if you have been convicted of a felony or certain misdemeanors, or if you have been removed from office as a notary in the past. The Department of State will check your background when you explore.
You do not need a specific job, education level, or prior experience. Many notaries work part-time or as a side service while holding other jobs. You do not need to own a business or work for a law firm, though some employers encourage their staff to become notaries.
Online courses and study materials
Online notary courses teach you New York notary law, the rules in the Notary Public handbook, and what to expect on the state exam. These courses are not required by New York State, but they are the fastest way to prepare. Most take two to four hours to complete and cost between $20 and $100. Some include practice exams that mimic the real test.
You can also study for free using the official New York Notary Public handbook, which the Department of State publishes online. The handbook covers your duties, prohibited acts, fees you can charge, and how to handle common notarization requests. Many people use both an online course and the handbook to prepare.
Popular online course providers include the National Notary Association, state-specific notary training sites, and some community colleges that offer online modules. Search for "New York notary course online" to find current options. Read reviews and confirm the course covers New York law specifically, not general notary rules that explore in other states.
Taking the state exam in person
The New York notary exam is a written test with 50 multiple-choice questions. You must score at least 70 percent to pass. The exam covers the Notary Public handbook, New York Penal Law sections 135.25 and 135.35 (which define notary fraud and misconduct), and practical scenarios about when you can notarize documents and when you cannot.
You take the exam at an approved testing center. Prometric and Pearson VUE are the main testing vendors in New York. You schedule your exam appointment online through their websites, choose a testing location near you, and pay a testing fee (usually $50 to $100, depending on the vendor). You will need a valid photo ID to enter the testing center.
After you pass, the testing center gives you a passing score report. You will need this document when you submit your process to the Department of State. If you do not pass, you can retake the exam after waiting a set period (usually 24 hours to a few days, depending on the vendor).
Submitting your process to the Department of State
Once you have your passing exam score, you submit an process to the New York Department of State, Division of Licensing Services. You can explore online through the Department of State website or by mail. The online route is faster and you receive confirmation when ready.
You will need your passing exam score report, a completed process form, proof of New York residency (such as a utility bill or lease), a valid photo ID, and a $60 process fee. Some applicants also submit a character reference letter, though it is not always required. Check the Department of State website for the current process form and any updates to required documents.
Processing takes two to four weeks after the Department of State receives your complete process. You will receive your notary commission certificate by mail. Your commission is valid for four years from the date it is issued.
What you can do once you are commissioned
As a New York notary, you can administer oaths, take acknowledgments, and certify copies of documents. You can charge a fee for each notarization (the maximum fee is set by New York law and is currently $2 per signature for most notarizations). You must keep a journal of all notarizations you perform, recording the date, the document type, the signer's name, and their ID information.
You cannot notarize a document if you have a financial interest in it, if you are related to the signer, or if the signer is not present in front of you. You must verify the signer's identity using an acceptable form of ID. You cannot notarize a blank document or one that the signer has not signed in your presence.
You must renew your commission every four years. The renewal process is similar to the initial process and requires another exam or, in some cases, a renewal-only process if you meet certain conditions. Check the Department of State website as your renewal date approaches.
Common mistakes to avoid
Do not assume an online course alone qualifies you as a notary. The course prepares you for the exam, but you must still pass the state test and submit your process to the Department of State to become officially commissioned.
Do not notarize documents for family members or in situations where you have a financial stake in the outcome. These are violations of New York law and can result in your commission being revoked and fines being imposed.
Do not skip studying the Notary Public handbook. The exam tests your knowledge of the handbook directly, and many test questions come straight from it. Even if you take an online course, review the handbook before your exam date.
Do not miss the important date to renew your commission. If your commission expires, you cannot perform notarizations until you renew. The Department of State sends renewal notices, but it is your responsibility to submit the renewal process on time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the notary exam online instead of in person?
No. New York requires you to take the exam at an approved testing center in person. You must show a valid photo ID and complete the test under supervision. Online courses prepare you for the exam, but the exam itself must be taken at a physical location.
How much does it cost to become a notary in New York?
The total cost is usually $130 to $260. An online course costs $20 to $100, the exam fee is $50 to $100, and the process fee to the Department of State is $60. Some people study using only the free Notary Public handbook and skip the paid course, reducing the cost to $110 to $160.
How long does it take to become a notary in New York?
Most people complete the process in four to eight weeks. You can finish an online course in a few hours, schedule your exam within days, and the Department of State processes applications in two to four weeks. If you study on your own using the handbook, the timeline depends on how quickly you prepare and schedule your exam.
Do I need to work for a law firm or business to become a notary?
No. You can become a notary as an individual and work independently, part-time, or as a side service. Many notaries work from home or offer services at libraries, UPS stores, or other locations. You do not need employer sponsorship or a business license to become commissioned.
What happens if I fail the notary exam?
You can retake the exam after a waiting period set by the testing vendor, usually 24 hours to a few days. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the exam. You pay the exam fee each time you test. Most people pass on their second attempt if they study the handbook more thoroughly before retesting.