After You’re Commissioned in New York: Next Steps
You passed. Here is what to set up before and after you start notarizing in New York, from official sources.
Your commission is filed with your county clerk
After approval, the Department of State sends your commission, oath and signature to the county clerk where you qualified. If you will sign regularly in other counties, you may file a certificate of official character there.
How you sign
Under your signature, print, type or stamp in black ink your name, the words “Notary Public State of New York,” the county where you originally qualified, and your commission expiration date. New York does not require an embossed seal, but many notaries use a stamp with this information.
Keep records
Department of State rules require every notary to keep records of notarial acts (date, type, names and addresses, ID used, and so on) for at least ten years. Electronic notaries must also keep the audio-video recording for at least ten years.
No bond is required, but consider E&O insurance
New York does not require a notary bond. You are personally liable for damages caused by misconduct, so optional errors and omissions insurance is worth pricing.
Know your fees
Most acts are capped at $2 and electronic notarial acts at $25.
Loan signing as a side income
Some notaries also work as notary signing agents, handling loan document signings for title, escrow and signing companies. Those companies set their own requirements, often including a background check, E&O insurance and sometimes a private certification. Those come on top of your state commission and are not state rules. Demand and pay vary widely by area, and in some places attorneys traditionally handle real estate closings. The notarial fee itself is still capped by New York law, so check New York Department of State, Division of Licensing Services guidance before charging any travel or service fees.
Keep studying the rules
The full question bank is a good refresher on fees, journal rules and prohibited acts before your first notarization.
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).
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