How to Become a Notary Public in New York

Who can apply

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Live in New York, or have an office or place of business in New York.
• Be of good moral character, have the equivalent of a common school education, and know a notary's duties.
• Generally, have no felony conviction (certain misdemeanors also disqualify; a pardon or certificate of relief may allow consideration).
• Pass the state notary exam (New York attorneys and certain court clerks are exempt).

Step by step

1. Take the written exam at a Department of State exam site and pay the $15 fee. Outside New York City it is walk-in (first come, first served); in New York City you must book first by emailing exams@dos.ny.gov, and unscheduled walk-ins are turned away.
2. Wait for your pass notice by mail; results are valid for 2 years.
3. Complete the Oath of Office (DOS-2201), have it notarized, and scan it.
4. Apply for a commission in NY Business Express, upload the oath, and pay the $60 fee by card.
5. Once approved, you receive your commission card by email and the state files your commission with your county clerk.

Official application →

Training and exam

Exam: Multiple-choice exam run by the Department of State (walk-in outside New York City; book by email in the city): 1 hour, scored pass/fail, $15 per attempt, results valid 2 years. Offered in English, Spanish, Haitian-Creole, Italian, Korean, Russian and Chinese.

What it costs in New York

Fixed amounts are set by the state. Items marked “your quote” are priced by private sellers, so enter what you’re quoted.

How long it takes

NY Business Express lists an average processing time of 3 to 5 business days for a notary commission application.

What other sites get wrong about New York

After you're commissioned

Renewal: Renew every 4 years in NY Business Express, starting 90 days before expiration, with a $60 fee and a new Oath of Office; the exam may be waived if you renew before expiration or within 6 months after.

Remote online notarization: Yes — a commissioned notary can register as an electronic notary ($60) and notarize remotely by audio-video while physically in New York, keeping recordings for at least 10 years.

Good to know in New York

What you can charge: Executive Law §136 caps fees at $2 for an oath or affirmation and $2 per person for an acknowledgment or proof of execution (plus $2 for each witness sworn). For an electronic notarial act the Department of State allows up to $25 per act.

Sources

• NY DOS — Notary Public
• NY DOS — Become a Notary Public
• NY DOS — Notary Public FAQ
• NY DOS — July–December 2026 Notary Exam Schedule
• NY DOS — November–December 2026 Notary Exam Instructions (New York City)
• NY DOS — Notary Public License Law (September 2026)
• NY Business Express — Notary Public Commission
• NY DOS - Renew or Update Notary Public License
• NY Executive Law §136 (notarial fees)