What You Need to Do to Become a Notary in New York
To become a notary public in New York State, 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 a few weeks from exam to commission.
New York does not require you to take a preparatory course before the exam, though many people do. You can study on your own using the official study guide, or enroll in a course through a community college, library, or online provider. The exam itself covers New York notary law, your duties and responsibilities, and how to handle common notarization scenarios.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 18 years old, a New York State resident, and able to read and write English to become a notary.
- The Department of State administers a written exam that covers notary law, duties, and common notarization procedures.
- After passing the exam, you submit your results along with an process and fee to receive your commission.
- Your notary commission lasts four years and can be renewed by taking the exam again or by filing a renewal process without retesting.
- You must maintain a journal of all notarizations you perform and keep it available for inspection by the Department of State.
Who Can Become a Notary in New York
New York has straightforward may be able to access requirements. You must be at least 18 years old, a resident of New York State, and able to read and write English. You cannot be a notary if you have been convicted of a felony or certain crimes involving dishonesty—the process asks about your criminal history, and the Department of State reviews it before issuing your commission.
Being a New York resident means you must live in the state, not just work there. If you move out of New York after becoming a notary, your commission ends. If you move back, you can reapply. There is no citizenship requirement—permanent residents and other non-citizens can become notaries as long as they meet the other conditions.
Taking the Notary Exam
The Department of State offers the notary exam year-round at testing centers across New York. You register online through the Department of State website, choose a test date and location, and pay the exam fee (currently $10). The exam is 50 multiple-choice questions covering New York notary law, your legal duties, how to refuse improper requests, and how to handle documents correctly.
You have two hours to complete the exam and must score at least 70 percent to pass. If you do not pass, you can retake the exam. There is no limit on how many times you can test. Many people study using the official Notary Public Study Guide, which the Department of State publishes and makes available on its website for free. It covers everything tested on the exam.
Some people take a preparatory course instead of or in addition to self-study. These courses are offered by community colleges, public libraries, and private training companies. They typically cost $25 to $100 and last a few hours to a few days. A course can help you understand the material faster, but it is not required.
Submitting Your process After Passing the Exam
Once you pass the exam, you receive a score report. You then submit an process to the Department of State, Division of Licensing Services. The process includes your exam results, personal information, and a statement that you meet the may be able to access requirements. You also pay the commission fee (currently $60 for a four-year commission) and submit the process by mail or in person at a Department of State office.
The Department of State reviews your process and criminal history check. If everything is in order, they issue your notary commission, which is valid for four years from the date it is issued. You will receive a commission certificate in the mail. Some people frame it; others keep it with their notary supplies. You do not need to display it, but you should keep it safe because you may need to show it as proof of your commission.
What You Must Do Once You Are Commissioned
After you receive your commission, you are legally required to maintain a notary journal—a record of every notarization you perform. For each notarization, you write down the date, the type of document, the names of the people involved, how you identified them, and what you charged (if anything). You must keep this journal for at least six years and make it available to the Department of State if they ask to inspect it.
You must also follow New York notary law in how you perform notarizations. You cannot notarize a document for someone you have a financial interest in, you cannot notarize a signature you did not personally witness, and you cannot notarize a blank document. If someone asks you to do any of these things, you must refuse. Violating these rules can result in your commission being revoked and civil or criminal penalties.
You are not required to perform notarizations for anyone who asks. You can choose your clients and set your own fees (though New York caps what you can charge—currently $2 per signature for most notarizations). Many notaries work part-time, notarizing documents for friends, family, and neighbors. Others work for banks, law offices, or real estate companies where notarizations are part of their job.
Renewing Your Notary Commission
Your notary commission lasts four years. Before it expires, you can renew it in one of two ways. You can take the exam again and submit a new process with your new exam results, or you can file a renewal process without retesting. The renewal-without-exam option is available if you have maintained a proper notary journal and have not been disciplined by the Department of State. The renewal fee is the same as the original commission fee.
If you let your commission expire and want to become a notary again, you must take the exam and submit a new process as if you were explore for the first time. There is no separate process for reactivating an expired commission.
Costs and Timeline
The exam fee is $10, and the commission fee is $60, for a total of $70 to become a notary. If you take a preparatory course, that adds $25 to $100 depending on the provider. Renewal costs $60 every four years if you renew without retesting, or $70 if you retake the exam.
The timeline depends on how quickly you study and schedule your exam. If you study on your own using the free study guide, you might be ready to test within a week or two. After you pass the exam and submit your process, the Department of State typically issues your commission within two to four weeks. If you take a course first, add the length of the course to your timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to take a notary course before the exam?
No. New York does not require a course. You can study on your own using the free official study guide and take the exam whenever you feel ready. Many people pass without taking a course. A course can help you learn faster, but it is optional.
Can I become a notary if I have a criminal record?
It depends on the crime. Felonies and crimes involving dishonesty can disqualify you. The process asks about your criminal history, and the Department of State reviews it. If you have a record and are unsure, contact the Department of State directly to ask whether your specific conviction would disqualify you.
What happens if I fail the notary exam?
You can retake it. There is no limit on how many times you can test. You pay the exam fee each time you take it. Many people pass on their second or third attempt after studying the material more thoroughly.
Can I work as a notary in another state with my New York commission?
No. Your notary commission is valid only in New York. If you move to another state, you must become a notary in that state if you want to continue notarizing documents. Each state has its own notary laws and requirements.
How much can I charge for a notarization?
New York law sets a maximum fee of $2 per signature for most notarizations. You can charge less or nothing at all. Some notaries charge the full $2; others charge $1 or perform notarizations for free, especially for family and friends.