The Basic Path to Getting Your Notary Commission in NYC

To become a notary in New York City, you must be at least 18 years old, a New York State resident, and able to read and write English. You then take a state exam, pay a fee, and submit your process to the New York Department of State. The entire 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 commission yourself independently. However, many notaries work through banks, law offices, or title companies, which may have their own hiring requirements on top of the state's rules.

Key Takeaways

  • You must pass the New York State notary exam, which covers state law and notarial duties; the exam costs $10 and is offered year-round at testing centers across the city.
  • After passing, you submit your process to the New York Department of State with a $60 commission fee and a surety bond (typically $100 to $150), and your commission lasts four years.
  • You do not need a high school diploma, prior work experience, or sponsorship from an employer to become a notary in New York.
  • Once commissioned, you must keep a journal of every notarization you perform, recording the date, the document type, the signer's identity, and your fee.
  • Your notary commission is valid only in New York State; if you move out of state or your commission expires, you must renew or reapply in your new location.

Step 1: Study the Notary Exam Content

The New York State notary exam tests your knowledge of state law, your duties as a notary, and how to handle common notarization situations. You do not need to attend a class — the state provides a free study guide called the Notary Public Handbook, available on the New York Department of State website. The handbook covers what a notary can and cannot do, how to verify a signer's identity, what documents you can notarize, and how to refuse a notarization if something seems wrong.

The exam itself is 50 multiple-choice questions, and you must score at least 70 percent to pass. Most people study for two to four weeks using the handbook and practice tests. You can take the exam as many times as you need; there is no limit on retakes, though you pay the $10 fee each time.

Step 2: Register and Take the Exam

Exams are offered year-round at testing centers run by Prometric, a third-party testing company contracted by New York State. You register online through the Prometric website or by calling their customer service line. You choose your test date and location — there are multiple centers in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx — and pay the $10 exam fee at registration.

Bring a valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) to the testing center. The exam takes about 90 minutes. You receive your score when ready after finishing, and if you pass, Prometric sends you a passing notice by email within one business day. If you fail, you can register for another exam right away.

Step 3: Obtain a Surety Bond

Before you submit your process to the Department of State, you must purchase a notary surety bond. This is an insurance product that protects the public if you make a mistake or act dishonestly as a notary. The bond does not protect you — it protects people who use your services.

Bonds are sold by insurance companies and cost between $100 and $150 for a four-year term (the length of a New York notary commission). You can buy a bond online from companies like Notary Rotary, American Notary, or through your bank or insurance agent. The bond company will issue you a bond certificate with a bond number; you will need this number when you fill out your process. The bond must be in effect before you submit your process, and it must remain in effect for the entire four-year commission period.

Step 4: Submit Your process to the Department of State

Once you have your passing exam notice and your bond certificate, you submit your process to the New York Department of State, Division of Licensing Services. You can explore online through the Department of State's website or by mail. The online process is faster — most online applications are processed within two to four weeks.

You will need your exam passing notice, your bond certificate number, and a valid photo ID. You also pay a $60 commission fee at the time of process. If you explore by mail, send your completed process form (available on the Department of State website), a copy of your passing notice, a copy of your bond certificate, and a check for $60 to the address listed on the form. Mail applications typically take four to eight weeks.

Step 5: Receive Your Commission and Take the Oath

After the Department of State approves your process, you receive a commission certificate in the mail. This certificate is your official proof that you are a notary public. Your commission is valid for four years from the date it is issued.

Before you can perform your first notarization, you must take an oath of office. In New York, you can take this oath before any judge, clerk of court, or other official authorized to administer oaths. Many county clerk offices offer this service for free or a small fee. Some notaries take the oath at their local courthouse or at their employer's office if they work for a bank or law firm. Once you have taken the oath, you are officially commissioned and can begin notarizing documents.

What You Need to Do Once You Are Commissioned

As a notary, you must keep a notary journal — a record of every notarization you perform. New York law requires you to record the date, the type of document, the name and address of the signer, the signer's method of identification, the fee you charged, and your signature. You can use a physical journal (a bound book) or an electronic journal (a digital record), but the journal must be kept in chronological order and retained for at least six years.

You must also display your notary commission certificate in your place of business if you work as a notary. If you work from home, you do not need to display it, but you must have it available to show to signers if they ask. You are not allowed to notarize a document for yourself, a family member, or anyone with whom you have a financial interest — these are conflicts of interest that can result in fines or loss of your commission.

Renewing Your Notary Commission

Your commission lasts four years. About three months before it expires, the Department of State sends you a renewal notice. To renew, you must pass the exam again, purchase a new surety bond, and submit a renewal process with a $60 fee. The renewal process is the same as the initial process process. If you let your commission expire, you must reapply from the beginning — there is no grace period for late renewal.

If you move out of New York State, your commission becomes invalid. You will need to become a notary in your new state by following that state's rules, which vary widely. Some states recognize New York commissions for a short period; others do not recognize them at all.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to work for a bank or law office to become a notary in New York?

No. You can become a notary independently without working for any employer. However, many notaries do work for banks, law offices, title companies, or real estate agencies, and those employers may have their own hiring requirements. If you want to work as a notary for an employer, that employer will likely require you to be commissioned first.

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

The total cost is roughly $170 to $220. This includes the $10 exam fee, the $60 process fee, and the surety bond ($100 to $150). If you fail the exam and retake it, add another $10 per attempt. These are one-time costs for your four-year commission; renewal costs the same amount.

Can I notarize documents for my family or friends?

New York law prohibits you from notarizing a document for yourself or a family member. You also cannot notarize for anyone with whom you have a financial interest in the transaction. If you are asked to notarize for someone you are related to or have a stake in, you must decline and refer them to another notary.

What happens if I make a mistake as a notary?

If you make an error — such as notarizing a document without properly verifying the signer's identity — the person harmed can file a claim against your surety bond. The bond will cover damages up to the bond amount. Repeated mistakes or intentional misconduct can result in fines, loss of your commission, or both.

How long does it take to become a notary in New York?

From start to finish, the process typically takes four to eight weeks. This includes time to study and take the exam (one to four weeks), purchase a bond (one to three days), and wait for the Department of State to process your process (two to four weeks for online applications, four to eight weeks for mail applications).