How to Become a Notary in New York (2026): Requirements, Cost & Steps
New York is one of the few states that requires notary applicants to pass a written examination. The state has approximately 300,000 active notaries and a high demand for notary services due to its large population and volume of real estate, legal, and business transactions. This guide covers every step to become a New York notary in 2026.
New York Notary Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum age | 18 years old |
| Residency | Must be a resident of New York OR have a place of business in New York |
| Education | Not mandatory (but highly recommended) |
| Exam | Yes — written exam administered by the Department of State |
| Background check | No separate background check (checked during application) |
| Bond | Not required |
| Stamp | Ink stamp required (rectangular). Must include name, state, county, commission expiration, and registration number |
| Journal | Not required by law (strongly recommended) |
| Commission term | 4 years |
| Total cost | $60 to $120 (all fees combined) |
| Timeline | 4 to 6 weeks |
Step-by-Step: How to Become a New York Notary
Step 1: Study for the Notary Exam
While New York does not require a formal education course, you must pass a written exam. The exam is based on the New York Notary Public License Law booklet, which is available free from the Department of State website.
What to study:
- New York Executive Law, Article 6 (Notary Public provisions)
- Real Property Law sections related to notarization
- Definitions of notarial acts (acknowledgments, jurats, oaths, affirmations)
- Identification requirements
- Restrictions on notary conduct
- Fees and penalties
Optional prep courses: Several organizations offer exam prep courses ($25 to $75), which condense the material and provide practice questions. These are not required but significantly improve pass rates.
Step 2: Pass the New York Notary Exam
The notary exam is administered by the New York Department of State at locations across the state. Key details:
- Format: 40 multiple-choice questions
- Passing score: 70% (28 out of 40 correct)
- Time limit: 1 hour
- Exam fee: $15
- Locations: Administered at scheduled testing sites across New York. Check the Department of State website for dates and locations.
- Frequency: Exams are offered regularly throughout the year
The exam is proctored and closed-book. You may not bring study materials, phones, or electronic devices.
Cost: $15 (exam fee)
Step 3: Submit Your Application
After passing the exam, submit your notary public application to the New York Department of State:
Application includes:
- Completed notary public application form
- $60 application fee
- Oath of office
Application fee: $60
Applications can be submitted by mail or in person at the Department of State office in Albany or New York City.
Step 4: Receive Your Commission and File with the County Clerk
After the Department of State processes your application:
- You receive your notary public commission certificate
- You must file your oath of office, signature, and commission certificate with the county clerk in the county where you reside (or maintain your office)
- This filing must be completed before you can begin notarizing
County clerk filing fee: $0 to $10 (varies by county)
Step 5: Purchase Your Notary Stamp
New York stamp requirements:
- Ink stamp required (rectangular)
- Must include: your name, “Notary Public, State of New York,” county of commission, registration number, and commission expiration date
- See our stamp and seal requirements guide for details
Cost: $15 to $30
Total Cost Breakdown
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Exam prep course (optional) | $0-75 |
| Exam fee | $15 |
| Application fee | $60 |
| County clerk filing | $0-10 |
| Stamp | $15-30 |
| Total | $90-190 |
New York is one of the most affordable states to become a notary — no bond is required, and the application fee is a flat $60.
How Long Does It Take?
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Study for exam | 1-2 weeks (self-paced) |
| Take and pass exam | Schedule varies (check DOS website) |
| Application processing | 2-4 weeks |
| County clerk filing | 1 day |
| Receive stamp | 3-7 days |
| Total | 4-6 weeks |
New York Notary Fees
New York has the lowest fixed notary fee in the United States at $2 per notarial act. This fee has not been updated in decades and is widely considered inadequate by notary organizations.
| Service | Maximum Fee |
|---|---|
| Acknowledgment | $2 per signature |
| Jurat | $2 per signature |
| Oath or affirmation | $2 |
| Administering an oath for an affidavit | $2 |
| Protest of negotiable instrument | $0.75 |
Because the per-act fee is so low, most New York notaries who earn meaningful income do so as loan signing agents (paid by title companies, not constrained by the $2 fee) or through mobile notary travel fees (which are not regulated).
Earning Potential in New York
Due to the $2 per-act cap, standard notarization is not profitable as a standalone business in New York. However, loan signing agents in the New York metro area can earn $100 to $250 per signing due to the high volume of real estate transactions. Full-time signing agents in NYC typically earn $3,000 to $7,000 per month. See our notary income guide for detailed breakdowns.
New York vs Other Major States
| Requirement | New York | California | Texas | Florida |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Not required | 6-hour course | Not required | 3-hour course |
| Exam | Yes (40 questions) | Yes (30 questions) | Not required | Not required |
| Bond | Not required | $15,000 | $10,000 | $7,500 |
| Max fee per act | $2 | $15 | $6 | $10 |
| Commission term | 4 years | 4 years | 4 years | 4 years |
| Total cost | $90-190 | $360-580 | $86-136 | $140-235 |
| Journal required | No | Yes | Yes | No |
See our guides for California, Texas, and Florida for full details.
Remote Online Notarization in New York
New York authorized remote online notarization (RON) in 2023. New York RON notaries must:
- Hold an active New York notary commission
- Register with the Department of State as an electronic notary
- Use an approved RON technology platform
- Follow detailed regulations issued by the Department of State
- Maintain electronic records per state requirements
See our RON laws by state guide for more details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the New York notary exam hard?
The exam has a 70% pass rate. It covers New York notary law, which can be complex. Most applicants who study the Department of State’s Notary Public License Law booklet pass on the first attempt. An optional prep course improves your odds significantly.
Do I need a bond to become a notary in New York?
No. New York is one of the few states that does not require a notary bond. This makes it one of the most affordable states to become a notary. See notary bond requirements by state for a full comparison.
Can I be a New York notary if I live in another state?
Yes, if you maintain a place of business or an office in New York. New York allows both residents and non-residents with a New York business address to become notaries. You must file your commission with the county clerk in the county where your office is located.
Why is the New York notary fee only $2?
The $2 fee was set decades ago and has never been updated by the state legislature. Multiple bills to increase it have been introduced but none have passed. Most New York notaries earn income through loan signing fees (paid by title companies) rather than the per-act notarization fee.
How do I renew my New York notary commission?
Renewal requires retaking and passing the exam, submitting a new application with the $60 fee, and refiling with the county clerk. There is no shortcut for renewals — the process is the same as the initial application.
Already a New York notary? List yourself on FindNotary.io to connect with clients. Or explore notary fees, journal requirements, and signing agent careers.