A New York notary commission costs $75 in state fees, lasts four years, and is the foundation for mobile notary and loan signing work. Here is the path.
Who is eligible
- At least 18 years old
- A resident of New York State, or someone with an office or place of business in the state
- Able to pass the state notary public examination. New York attorneys and court clerks of the Unified Court System are exempt from the exam.
Step 1: Study the Notary Public License Law
The exam covers the Department of State's Notary Public License Law booklet: notarial acts, fees, definitions, and what a notary may not do. Training is not required by the state, but the exam is on legal terminology most people have not seen before, and it is worth preparing for.
Step 2: Take the exam ($15)
- Multiple choice, with up to one hour to finish
- 70 percent to pass
- $15, paid by check, money order, or card. Cash is not accepted.
- Walk-in exams are held on a published schedule at sites around the state. Bring government photo ID and two #2 pencils, and arrive early because seating is first come, first served.
- Results are mailed and reported as pass or fail.
Step 3: Complete the oath of office
Download the Notary Public Oath of Office (form DOS-2201), sign it in front of a notary, and scan it. You will upload it with your application.
Step 4: Apply online ($60)
Submit the application through the state's online system with your exam pass slip, your oath, and the $60 application fee. Once approved, you receive your identification card showing your commission term of four years.
Step 5: Set up to work
- Journal: New York requires every notary to record every notarial act and keep the records for at least ten years.
- Stamp: New York requires specific information below your signature. Most notaries use a stamp to add it.
- Errors and omissions insurance: not required by the state, but expected by title companies and signing services.
Adding loan signings
Loan signing is where a commission becomes a business. Title companies and signing services generally expect a loan signing certification, a current background screening, and E&O insurance before they will send work. Remember that the state fee for a notarial act is $2. The income in this business comes from signing agent fees and mobile travel, not from the stamp.
Preparing for the exam? Try the free New York notary practice quiz, or get my exam prep course, SheerForce NY Notary Exam Prep: Pass With Confidence.
Renewal
Commissions run four years. The state sends a renewal notice before yours expires, and you renew online.
Common questions
How much does it cost to become a notary in New York?
The state fees are $15 for the exam and $60 for the application, $75 total. A stamp, journal, and optional insurance are extra.
How hard is the New York notary exam?
It is a one-hour multiple-choice test with a 70 percent passing score. It covers legal terms and notary law, so most people need to study the state's Notary Public License Law booklet.
How long does a New York notary commission last?
Four years.
Do I need a bond to be a notary in New York?
No bond appears in the Department of State's requirements, which list an application, the fee, and the exam. Errors and omissions insurance is optional but expected for loan signing work.
Sources
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This guide is general information about New York notarial practice. It is not legal advice. For advice about your situation, consult a New York attorney.