What You Need to Do to Become a Notary in New York City
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 written exam administered by the New York Department of State, pass it, and submit an process with your exam results to the same department. The whole process takes roughly four to eight weeks from exam to commission.
New York does not require you to take a course before the exam, though many people do because the exam covers specific state law. You can study using the official Notary Public Handbook published by the New York Department of State, which is free and covers everything the exam tests. After you pass and receive your commission, you pay a fee and take an oath of office, and you are then legally authorized to notarize documents in New York State.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 18, a New York State resident, and able to read and write English before you can sit for the notary exam.
- The New York Department of State administers the exam; you study from their free Notary Public Handbook and take the test at a testing center they designate.
- Passing the exam is the hardest step—you must score at least 70 percent, and the exam covers state law, not just basic notarization.
- After you pass, you submit your process, pay the commission fee (currently $60 for a four-year term), and take an oath of office to become commissioned.
- Your commission lasts four years and must be renewed; renewal requires another process and fee but not another exam.
Confirm You Meet the Basic Requirements
Before you register for the exam, verify that you meet New York's baseline requirements. You must be at least 18 years old, a resident of New York State, and able to read and write English. If you have been convicted of a felony, you are disqualified unless your rights have been restored by the Governor.
New York does not require you to be a U.S. citizen, but you must have a valid form of identification and a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you are unsure whether a past conviction affects your may be able to access, contact the New York Department of State's Division of Licensing Services at 518-474-4429 before you pay for the exam.
Study the Notary Public Handbook and Prepare for the Exam
The New York Department of State publishes the Notary Public Handbook free on its website. This handbook covers the laws and procedures you must know: what a notary can and cannot do, how to identify signers, how to complete a notarization correctly, and what records you must keep. The exam draws directly from this handbook, so studying it thoroughly is your best preparation.
The exam is 50 multiple-choice questions, and you must score at least 70 percent to pass. You have two hours to complete it. Many people take a paid prep course through a private vendor, but it is not required—the handbook alone is sufficient if you study carefully. The Department of State website lists approved testing centers where you can register for a specific date and time.
Register for and Take the Notary Exam
Visit the New York Department of State website and locate the notary exam registration page. You will select a testing center near you—most are in New York City, but some are in other parts of the state. You pay a registration fee (currently $10) and choose your exam date. Testing centers typically offer multiple dates per week.
Bring a valid photo ID and your registration confirmation to the testing center on your scheduled date. The exam is proctored, meaning someone watches to may support you do not cheat. You will sit at a computer and answer the 50 questions. Results are usually available when ready or within a few business days. If you pass, you receive a score report; if you do not, you can register again and retake the exam.
Submit Your process and Pay the Commission Fee
Once you have passed the exam, read the notary process form from the New York Department of State website. Fill it out completely, including your exam score report, and mail it to the address listed on the form. You must also include a check or money order for the commission fee, which is currently $60 for a four-year term. Do not send cash.
The Department of State processes applications in the order they arrive. Processing typically takes two to four weeks. You will receive a letter confirming receipt of your process, and later a letter telling you when and where to take the oath of office. Keep these letters—you will need them to complete the next step.
Take the Oath of Office and Receive Your Commission
After your process is approved, you must take an oath of office in front of an authorized official. In New York City, you can take the oath at a county clerk's office, a judge's chambers, or another location designated by the Department of State. The oath is brief and formal; it confirms that you understand your duties and will perform them honestly.
Once you have taken the oath, the official signs a document certifying that you did so. You send this signed document back to the Department of State, or in some cases you deliver it in person. After the Department receives it, you are officially commissioned as a notary public. You will receive a commission certificate in the mail, which you should keep in a safe place.
Understand Your Duties and Limitations as a Notary
As a notary, you can witness signatures, administer oaths, and certify that a document is a true copy of an original. You cannot provide legal information, draft documents, or represent someone in court. 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 is being coerced.
You are required to keep a journal of every notarization you perform, recording the date, the signer's name and ID type, the document title, and your fee. This journal must be kept for at least six years and is subject to inspection by the Department of State. You must also maintain errors and omissions insurance, which protects you if someone sues you for a notarization mistake. Many notaries carry a $1 million policy, though the amount varies.
Renew Your Commission Before It Expires
Your notary commission lasts four years from the date it is issued. About three months before it expires, the Department of State will send you a renewal notice. You do not have to retake the exam to renew—you straightforward fill out a renewal process, pay the renewal fee (currently $60), and submit it by the important date.
If you miss the important date, your commission expires and you can no longer notarize documents. You would have to retake the exam and go through the full process process again. To avoid this, mark your commission expiration date on your calendar and submit your renewal process as soon as you receive the notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I become a notary if I do not live in New York City but work there?
No. New York requires you to be a state resident to become a notary. If you work in New York City but live in another state, you cannot commission as a New York notary. You would need to commission in your home state instead.
How much can I charge people for notarizing documents?
New York law sets a maximum fee of $2 per signature for most notarizations. Some notarizations, such as certifying copies of documents, have different fee limits. You cannot charge more than the legal maximum, and you can charge less or nothing if you choose.
What happens if I fail the notary exam?
You can retake the exam as many times as you need. There is no limit on attempts. You pay the registration fee each time you register for a new test date. Many people pass on their second or third try after studying the handbook more thoroughly.
Do I need to work for a company to be a notary, or can I notarize on my own?
You can be a notary without working for any company. Many notaries are self-employed and notarize documents for the public. Some work for banks, law offices, or real estate companies as part of their job. Your commission is personal to you and does not depend on your employer.
What is the difference between a notary public and a notary signing agent?
A notary public is commissioned by the state and can notarize any document. A notary signing agent is a notary who has taken additional training to specialize in real estate closings and loan signings. You become a notary public first; signing agent certification comes later if you choose to pursue it.