How to become a notary in New York

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The commission term for a New York Notary is four years. Below is more information on applying for a Notary Public commission in the Empire State.

The cost to become a Notary in New York ranges between $107 - $132. The total cost varies based on where you purchase your Notary journal.

It takes about 3-5 business days for NY Notary Public commission applications to be processed, according to the Division of Licensing Services.

Wondering how you can qualify to become an NY Notary? Read on below.

Every New York Notary applicant must meet the following requirements. You must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be a person of good moral character
• Reside within the state or maintain a business office in New York
• Have the equivalent of a "common school education"
• Not be convicted of a crime unless the Secretary of State finds that the crime committed doesn't bar you from commission

The Secretary of State may determine whether or not an applicant should be disqualified for a crime.

Sheriffs cannot be Notaries because they are barred from holding another public office.

New York Notaries are not required to take any specific training courses. It's your responsibility to understand the Notary Public License Law, which is available on the website of the New York Department of State's Division of Licensing Services.

Applicants for a New York Notary commission must pass a one-hour, closed-book, proctored exam. The multiple-choice test is based on the Notary Public License Law.

• Before taking the exam, review test center policies.
• On the day of the exam, bring your ID, two no. 2 pencils and the $15 fee to the test site.
• After taking the exam, you’ll receive your test pass slip in the mail. This slip must be submitted with your application.

Current members of the New York State Bar Association or court clerks of the Unified Court System who have passed the civil service promotional exam are exempt.

Exams are administered at various locations throughout the state and are provided regularly in the following cities: Albany, Binghamton, Buffalo, Franklin Square, Hauppauge, New York City, Plattsburgh, Rochester, Syracuse and Utica.

Examination schedules are posted on the Department's website in January and July of each year. Seating is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

For testing schedules and complete instructions, visit the Division of Licensing Services.

Print the oath of office form and take it to a current NY Notary to complete this step.

Create an NY Business Express account to complete and submit your Notary Public application. Include your notarized oath form, the $60 application fee and your exam pass slip.

You may check your application status in your NY Business Express account.

New York Notaries are required to record all notarial acts they perform in a journal.

While New York doesn't require a stamp, using a Notary stamp is considered an industry best practice.

For a seal, you may include the following information:

• Your name as it appears on your commission
• The words "Notary Public for the State of New York"
• The county in which you qualified for a commission (optional)
• Your commission expiration date (optional)
• The words "Certificate filed…County" (optional)

All of this information must be either printed, typewritten or stamped below your signature on every notarial certificate.

Have more questions about being a New York Notary? We've got you covered.

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Last updated: Jul 24, 2024

Get everything you need with a full New York Notary Package.