New York Notary Exam Guide 2026
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Exam in a week or two? Here is what New York Department of State, Division of Licensing Services materials say about the New York notary exam and commission, plus the free 20-question practice test so you can see where you stand.
New York notary exam at a glance
| Who gives it | NY Department of State |
|---|---|
| Format | Multiple choice |
| Time limit | 1 hour |
| Result | Pass/fail; no numeric score is published. A passing result is valid for 2 years. |
| Number of questions / passing mark | Not officially published by the DOS (unverified figures circulate online; we do not repeat them) |
| Exam fee | $15 (no cash) |
| Bring | Photo ID, the $15 fee, and two No. 2 pencils |
| Who is exempt | Attorneys admitted in New York and certain Unified Court System court clerks |
The NY DOS does not publish the question count or passing score; this site does not state one.
New York notary exam myths, checked against the rule text
Printable PDF: 25 more practice questions with answer key and sources
How to become a notary in New York
- Be a New York resident or have an office or place of business in New York, and meet the good-moral-character and education requirements in Executive Law 130.
- Study the Notary Public License Law booklet.
- Pass the DOS notary exam ($15).
- Within 2 years, apply with the $60 application fee (the application includes an oath of office).
Every New York requirement and step, quoted from the official source
New York notary fees
| Exam | $15 |
|---|---|
| Commission application (4 years) | $60 |
| Renewal | $60 |
| Electronic notary registration | $60 |
| Change of name/address or duplicate ID card | $10 |
| Max notary fee: most acts | $2 |
| Max fee: electronic notarial act | $25 |
Full New York notary fee schedule: what a notary can charge, with the statute text
Renewing a New York commission: when to apply and what happens if it lapses
The New York notary application: what to have ready, what to submit, and what happens after approval
New York notary stamp and seal rules: what it must show, size and ink, and who owns it
Study plan if your New York exam is in 7 or 14 days
Built only from facts already listed on this page and in Notary Public License Law (NY DOS, September 2026). No pass-rate claims.
If your exam is in about 7 days
- Re-read Notary Public License Law (NY DOS, September 2026) (or the sections covering the topics you missed).
- Take the free practice test on this site and note weak topics.
- Review the official facts: Format: Multiple choice; Time limit: 1 hour; Exam fee: $15 (no cash); Bring: Photo ID, the $15 fee, and two No. 2 pencils; Who gives it: NY Department of State; Result: Pass/fail; no numeric score is published. A passing result is valid for 2 years..
- Confirm you have finished any required prep step: Be a New York resident or have an office or place of business in New York, and meet the good-moral-character and education requirements in Executive Law 130.
If your exam is in about 14 days
- Spread handbook study over several sittings: Notary Public License Law (NY DOS, September 2026).
- Work through the free practice test more than once, focusing on missed topics.
- Check remaining application or exam-registration steps with New York Department of State, Division of Licensing Services.
- Study the Notary Public License Law booklet.
- Pass the DOS notary exam ($15).
Practice for the New York exam
Free sample: 20 questions with explanations and source quotes (not a full-length timed exam). Want more? Unlock the full bank of 205.
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Ready for a full sitting? Take the free 40-question timed practice exam (60 minutes).
Frequently asked questions
How long is the New York notary exam?
One hour, multiple choice. Results are pass/fail and stay valid for two years.
How much does it cost to become a New York notary?
$15 for the exam and $60 for the four-year commission application.
Do attorneys need to take the exam?
No. Attorneys admitted in New York, and certain Unified Court System court clerks, may be appointed without the exam.
Are these the real exam questions?
No. These are original practice questions written from the Notary Public License Law booklet. They are not actual exam questions.
Next steps after you pass
Bond, seal, journal and other things to set up once you are commissioned: after you’re commissioned in New York.
Independent study aid. Not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any state agency, exam vendor or course provider. All questions are original practice questions written from official public sources; they are not actual exam questions. Laws and fees change, so confirm details with the official source before you rely on them. Official sources: NY DOS: Become a notary public, Notary Public License Law (study booklet).
Last verified: .