How to become a notary in New York
Eligibility, an exam, fees and the oath, in the order you'll do them — from the New York Department of State, Division of Licensing Services.
Step by step
- Check that you qualify — 18 (unverified)+, New York resident, or a non-resident with an office or place of business in New York State (Executive Law §130); commissioned in the county of residence, or for non-residents the county of the NY office/business; Good moral character, the equivalent of a common school education, and familiarity with notary duties (Executive Law §130). A felony conviction generally disqualifies, as do certain misdemeanors, unless a pardon, Certificate of Relief from Disabilities or Certificate of Good Conduct is held.
- Pass the notary exam — State written exam: $15, 1 hour, multiple choice, pass/fail; schedule by emailing exams@dos.ny.gov (per the DOS 2026 exam schedule); bring current government photo ID and the fee (check, money order, Visa/MasterCard, no cash). Results valid 2 years. NYS attorneys and Unified Court System court clerks are exempt.
- Complete the background check — No fingerprinting; the application asks about criminal convictions and DOS reviews them.
- Apply to the New York Department of State, Division of Licensing Services — Pay the $60 state fee. Other fees: $15 exam fee per attempt; the $60 commission fee covers $40 appointment + $20 filing of the oath with the county clerk; $10 name/address change; $10 duplicate ID card; $60 electronic notary registration; $20 returned check.
- Take the oath and file it — Before applying, complete Oath of Office form DOS-2201, sign it before a notary, scan it and upload it with the online application (NY Business Express, form DOS-0033). DOS forwards the commission, oath and signature to the county clerk, who keeps the official record.
- Get your seal and journal — Seal: Not required. Beneath the signature the notary must print, type or stamp in black ink: name, 'Notary Public State of New York', county of qualification and commission expiration date (Executive Law §137). Journal: Required.
Notary packages & supplies
- National Notary Association — state packages: bond, seal, journal and any required training
- Notaries.com — lower-cost state packages with bond, stamp and supplies
Bond, stamp and journal in one order; check that the package matches New York's rules. Some links may be affiliate links.
New York notary requirements
| Commissioned by | New York Department of State, Division of Licensing Services |
| Who can apply | 18 (unverified)+ · New York resident, or a non-resident with an office or place of business in New York State (Executive Law §130); commissioned in the county of residence, or for non-residents the county of the NY office/business |
| Course | Not required No mandatory course; candidates study the DOS 'Notary Public License Law' booklet (September 2026 edition) on which the exam is based |
| Exam | Required State written exam: $15, 1 hour, multiple choice, pass/fail; schedule by emailing exams@dos.ny.gov (per the DOS 2026 exam schedule); bring current government photo ID and the fee (check, money order, Visa/MasterCard, no cash). Results valid 2 years. NYS attorneys and Unified Court System court clerks are exempt |
| State fee | $60 |
| Other fees | $15 exam fee per attempt; the $60 commission fee covers $40 appointment + $20 filing of the oath with the county clerk; $10 name/address change; $10 duplicate ID card; $60 electronic notary registration; $20 returned check |
| Surety bond | None No surety bond required |
| E&O insurance | Optional |
| Background check | No fingerprinting; the application asks about criminal convictions and DOS reviews them |
| Term | 4 years |
| Oath / filing | Before applying, complete Oath of Office form DOS-2201, sign it before a notary, scan it and upload it with the online application (NY Business Express, form DOS-0033). DOS forwards the commission, oath and signature to the county clerk, who keeps the official record |
| Seal | Not required. Beneath the signature the notary must print, type or stamp in black ink: name, 'Notary Public State of New York', county of qualification and commission expiration date (Executive Law §137) |
| Journal | Required |
| Max fee per notarization | $2 per oath/affirmation or acknowledgment (per signer); $25 per electronic notarial act (electronic notaries) |
| Remote online notary | Allowed Only electronic notarization (audio-video) is permitted since Jan 31, 2023: register as an electronic notary through NY Business Express ($60), notary must be physically in New York, recordings kept 10 years, no state platform certification; an e-notary license replaces (cancels) the traditional license and covers both traditional and remote acts |
| Renewal | Renew online via NY Business Express up to 90 days before expiration; $60 fee and a new Oath of Office; no exam if renewing before expiration or within 6 months after; DOS reminder postcards may be delayed, so track the date yourself |
Journal of every notarial act (date, time, type, signer, ID credential, verification method) must be kept at least 10 years under 19 NYCRR 182.9. Bills to raise the $2 fee to $5 (A3360, S6268 in 2025; S10280 in May 2026) are pending in committee, not enacted as of 2026-10. Exam is also offered in Spanish, Haitian-Creole, Italian, Korean, Russian and Chinese
Sources: NY DOS – Notary Public · NY DOS – Become a Notary Public (requirements, fees) · NY DOS – Notary Public License Law (September 2026) · NY DOS – Notary Public FAQ · NY DOS – NYC Nov–Dec 2026 Notary Exam Instructions and Schedule. Checked 2026-10. Values marked verify haven't been confirmed against an official source yet.
Earn more as a loan signing agent
Many notaries add mortgage closings: title and escrow companies pay signing agents per loan package. It needs a notary commission plus signing-agent training and a background screening.
- Loan Signing System — loan signing agent training to earn from mortgage closings ($347)
- NNA Notary Signing Agent certification — the certification and background screening title companies ask for
- Notaries.com signing agent course — budget signing agent course ($109)
Some links may be affiliate links.
Get a New York notary checklist and renewal reminder
A printable checklist of every step and an email before your commission expires. Free.
Notary course and exam rules across the US
Other New York licenses
Life & Health insurance license · Property & Casualty insurance license · Adjuster insurance license · All New York insurance licenses · Mortgage loan officer (MLO) license
Questions
How much does it cost to become a notary in New York?
The state fee is $60, plus $15 exam fee per attempt; the $60 commission fee covers $40 appointment + $20 filing of the oath with the county clerk; $10 name/address change; $10 duplicate ID card; $60 electronic notary registration; $20 returned check. Add a seal and a journal.
How long does it take to become a notary in New York?
Usually a few weeks from application to commission, plus the time for the course and exam.
Do I need to take a class or exam to be a notary in New York?
New York requires an exam.
How much can a notary charge in New York?
$2 per oath/affirmation or acknowledgment (per signer); $25 per electronic notarial act (electronic notaries).
Can I be an online notary in New York?
Yes. Only electronic notarization (audio-video) is permitted since Jan 31, 2023: register as an electronic notary through NY Business Express ($60), notary must be physically in New York, recordings kept 10 years, no state platform certification; an e-notary license replaces (cancels) the traditional license and covers both traditional and remote acts