NY Notary Prep / How to become a notary in NY

How to become a notary in NY

Updated October 2026 · Based on the NY Department of State Notary Public License Law

Becoming a notary in New York takes five steps and $75 in state fees. The only real hurdle is the exam, and it is very passable with a week of preparation.

Short answer Be 18 or older and live or work in New York. Pass the $15 written exam. Get your oath of office notarized. Apply online through NY Business Express and pay $60. Your commission lasts 4 years and is valid in the whole state.

Who can apply

You must be a New York State resident, or have an office or place of business in New York.
The application asks you to confirm that you are 18 or older.
You must be of good moral character, have the equivalent of a common school education, and be familiar with a notary's duties.
A criminal conviction does not automatically bar you, but the Secretary of State must find that it is not a bar. In general a felony disqualifies; a pardon, a certificate of relief from disabilities or a certificate of good conduct can allow your application to be considered.
Exempt from the exam: New York attorneys and qualifying Unified Court System clerks. They still pay the $60 fee.

The 5 steps

Step 1: Study

The exam is based on the official Notary Public License Law booklet. Learn the fees, deadlines and definitions, then test yourself. Start with the free practice test.

Step 2: Pass the exam

Walk in at a test site outside NYC, or book by email in NYC. Bring photo ID, $15 (no cash) and two #2 pencils. See exam dates and locations.

Step 3: Get your oath of office notarized

Download the Oath of Office form (DOS-2201), sign it in ink in front of a person authorized to administer oaths, and scan it as a single-page PDF. Photos of the form are not accepted.

Step 4: Apply online

On NY Business Express, open the "Notary Public Commission (DOS-0033)" service with a NY.gov account. Choose traditional or electronic notary, upload your passing exam slip and the oath PDF, give your SSN or ITIN, and pay $60 by card. Paper applications are still accepted by mail.

Step 5: Receive your commission

Online applicants receive a printable ID card by email. The Secretary of State files your commission, oath and signature with your county clerk. You can now notarize anywhere in New York State.

What it costs

Written exam	$15 per attempt
Commission application	$60 ($40 appointment, $20 oath filing)
Renewal every 4 years	$60
Electronic notary registration	$60
Change of name or address, duplicate card	$10 each

After you are commissioned

Keep a record of every notarial act for 10 years.
Report any change of name, address or email within 5 days.
You can renew up to 90 days before your commission expires. See how to renew a NY notary commission.
The most you may charge for an oath or an acknowledgment is $2 (per person for acknowledgments), and $25 for an electronic notarial act.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to become a notary in NY?

$15 for the exam and $60 for the commission application, so $75 in state fees. You will also pay a small fee to have your oath of office notarized. Renewal costs $60 every 4 years.

How long does it take to become a notary in NY?

Exam dates run several times a month, results come by mail, and the application is filed online. Your pass is valid for 2 years, so you control most of the timeline after the exam.

Do attorneys have to take the NY notary exam?

No. Attorneys admitted to practice in New York, and qualifying Unified Court System clerks, are exempt from the exam. They still pay the $60 application fee.

Can I become a NY notary if I live in another state?

Yes, if you have an office or place of business in New York State. You must be a NY resident or have a NY office or business.

Do I need a notary stamp or seal in New York?

No. New York law does not require a seal. You must, however, print or stamp your name, the words Notary Public State of New York, your county of qualification and your commission expiration date in black ink under your signature.