From the bustling legal corridors of Lower Manhattan to the quiet town clerks’ offices upstate, notaries public play an essential role in New York’s civic and business life. Whether you’re looking to add a professional credential to your resume, support your employer’s document workflows, or start a mobile notary side hustle serving your community, becoming a New York notary is more accessible than you might think. Here’s exactly how to do it.
Disclaimer: Notary laws change periodically. Always verify current requirements with the New York Secretary of State’s office before applying. This article does not constitute legal advice.
Who Can Become a Notary in New York?
New York keeps its eligibility requirements straightforward. To qualify, you need to meet three basic criteria:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a resident of New York — or a non-resident who works or maintains a regular place of business in the state (New York extends an office/business path to out-of-state applicants)
- Have no felony convictions, unless you’ve received a pardon
Here’s the part that surprises people: New York requires a statewide notary exam. The only exemptions are attorneys admitted in New York and court clerks of the Unified Court System who are applying within their official duties — everyone else passes the same exam regardless of county.
What You’ll Need
Before diving into the application, make sure you have these basics ready:
- A valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, etc.)
- A passing score on the New York notary exam (the exam fee is $15)
- The $60 filing fee for your application and commission
No training course certificate is required by the state, though taking one is never a bad idea if you want to feel confident from day one.
Step 1: Pass the Notary Exam
New York’s notary exam is given online (and at state test sites) on the notary public license law. The exam is based on the “Notary Public License Law” booklet published by the Department of State — study it closely, because the questions come straight from it. You’ll pay a $15 exam fee, and once you pass, you have two years to submit your application.
If you’re an attorney admitted in New York or an eligible court clerk, you’re exempt from the exam — but everyone else takes it, no matter which county you live in.
Step 2: Complete the Application
Submit your notary application to the New York Secretary of State along with proof of your passing exam score. You’ll need to provide your full legal name, residential address, and the county where you reside. Double-check everything before submitting — errors in your name or address can cause delays or require you to start over entirely.
Step 3: Receive Your Commission
After you submit your application, patience is key. Processing typically takes 4-6 weeks, though it can vary depending on the volume of applications the Secretary of State is handling at any given time.
Once approved, you’ll receive your commission certificate. Your notary commission is valid for four years, so mark your calendar — you’ll want to start the renewal process well before it lapses.
Step 4: Get Your Notary Supplies
Here’s where New York stands out from most states: you are not required to have a physical notary seal or stamp. Instead, for every notarization, you must print or type the following information directly below your signature:
- Your name
- “Notary Public State of New York”
- The county where you qualified
- Your commission expiration date
That said, many New York notaries still choose to use an embosser or stamp for convenience and a more polished, professional appearance. Just know it’s not mandatory under state law.
As for a notary journal — while New York does not legally require you to keep one, it is widely considered a best practice. A good journal protects you if a notarization is ever questioned, giving you a clear, time-stamped record of who signed what, when, and what identification was presented. A quality notary record book typically runs $15-$25.
Browse Notary StampsStep 5: File Your Oath of Office
This is the step that trips up more new notaries than almost anything else. Before you can perform any notarial acts, you must take the oath of office and file it with the appropriate county office. This step is mandatory — skip it, and your commission could become void.
The process is usually simple: take your commission certificate to your county clerk, sign the oath, and pay a small filing fee (this fee varies by county and is separate from the $60 state application fee). Don’t put this off. Many new notaries get excited when their commission arrives and accidentally start notarizing before completing this critical step.
Common Mistakes New New York Notaries Make
Learning from others’ missteps can save you real headaches:
- Not filing the oath before performing acts — as mentioned, your commission may become void if you skip this step. File it first, period.
- Assuming you’re exempt from the exam — unless you’re a New York attorney or a qualifying court clerk, the statewide exam applies to you; practicing without passing it isn’t an option.
- Not keeping a journal — while New York doesn’t mandate it, going without a record book leaves you vulnerable if a notarization is ever challenged. It’s inexpensive peace of mind.
- Letting your commission expire — reappointment isn’t instant, and there’s no grace period for expired commissions. Start the renewal process weeks before your expiration date.
- Notarizing without the signer physically present — this is one of the most serious violations a notary can commit and is grounds for commission revocation in New York. The signer must always be in front of you (with the limited exception of properly conducted remote online notarizations).
How Much Does It Cost?
Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect to spend:
- Exam fee: $15
- Application fee: $45 (commonly paid together with the exam fee as a $60 total)
- Notary journal (optional but recommended): $15-$25
- County oath filing fee: varies by county (typically a small amount)
Total estimated cost: $75-$100, depending on whether you purchase a journal and what your county charges for filing the oath.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the whole process take?
From the moment you submit your application to having your oath filed and being fully ready to notarize, you’re typically looking at 4-6 weeks. Most of that time is processing at the state level.
Can I perform remote online notarizations in New York?
Yes. New York has allowed remote online notarization (RON) since January 31, 2023, letting you notarize documents for signers who aren’t physically in the same room — as long as you use an approved technology platform and follow the state’s RON requirements.
Do I need errors and omissions insurance?
New York law doesn’t require it, but it’s strongly recommended. E&O insurance covers you if you make an honest mistake that causes financial harm to someone. Without it, you’d be paying out of pocket. Given how affordable policies typically are, it’s a smart investment for any notary who plans to actively serve the public.
How do I renew my notary commission?
The reappointment process is similar to the initial application. Begin before your current commission expires — there’s no automatic renewal in New York. Submit a new application and fee to the Secretary of State, and once approved, file a new oath with your county clerk just like you did the first time.
How much can I charge for notarizations?
New York sets maximum fees at $2 per acknowledgment and $2 for oaths. Keep in mind that if you’re offering mobile notary services, you can typically charge additional travel fees — but make sure any fees you charge are clearly communicated to the signer beforehand.
State-Specific Notes
- No seal required: New York is one of the few states that does not require a physical notary stamp or embosser. Your printed signature block with the required information is sufficient.
- Remote notarization: New York allows remote online notarization (RON) under state law (effective January 31, 2023), making it possible to serve clients across the state without in-person meetings.
- Statewide exam: Every applicant passes the same state notary exam — attorneys and court clerks are the only exemptions. There is no separate county-level exam.
- Non-residents can apply: You don’t have to live in New York; non-residents who work or maintain a regular place of business in the state are eligible.
- Journal not required but smart: While New York law doesn’t mandate a notary journal, maintaining one is strongly encouraged as a protective measure for any active notary.
Sources
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Ready for the next step?
Notary Signing Agent Academy — loan signing agents in New York commonly report earning $75–$200 per appointment, though rates vary by state and experience. One of the most comprehensive training programs available.
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How to Become a Notary — our complete guide covering requirements for all 50 states.
