New York Notary Application (2026): What to Have Ready, What to Submit, and What Happens Next
In New York you pass the exam first, then apply online through NY Business Express with your pass slip, a notarized Oath of Office scanned as a PDF, and the $60 nonrefundable fee (card only online). After approval, the Department of State sends your commission, oath and signature to your county clerk.
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Every point below quotes the official source word for word; the build checks each quote against a saved copy of the source and stops if one is missing. Laws change, so confirm with the official source.
Before you start the New York application
| Exam first | Pass the exam (or be exempt) before you apply |
|---|---|
| Pass slip validity | Exam results are good for 2 years |
| Oath of Office | Complete it and scan it before you start |
| Account | NY.gov account for NY Business Express |
Exam first
Pass the exam (or be exempt) before you apply.
“Applicants must have Passed the Notary Examination or be exempt from the exam (NYS admitted attorneys or qualifying civil service appointed court clerks).”
Pass slip validity
Exam results are good for 2 years.
“Exam results are valid for 2 years from the date of the examination.”
Oath of Office
Complete it and scan it before you start.
“Prior to starting your online application, download, complete, and obtain a scanned copy (i.e., PDF file) of the Oath of Office form (available to download at the link below).”
Source: NY Department of State: Become a Notary Public
“The application includes an oath of office, which must be sworn and notarized.”
Source: NY DOS: Notary Public License Law (September 2026 study booklet)
Account
NY.gov account for NY Business Express.
“Sign in or create a NY.gov account.”
What to submit with the New York application
| Pass slip | Copy, scan or photo |
|---|---|
| Oath of Office | Single-page scanned PDF, hand-signed in ink |
| Fee | $60, nonrefundable; card only online |
| Social Security number | Required if you have one |
| Names must match | Application, affirmation and oath |
Pass slip
Copy, scan or photo.
“A copy, scan or photo of the passing exam slip”
Oath of Office
Single-page scanned PDF, hand-signed in ink.
“A scanned copy of the completed oath of office in PDF format (not a photo)”
Source: NY DOS: Notary Public Application Guidance
“Applicant Signature – must be a natural signature (hand-written in ink), not an electronic signature”
Source: NY DOS: Notary Public Application Guidance
“Oath of Office must be an uploaded single page SCANNED PDF document. A photo or any other format will not be accepted.”
Fee
$60, nonrefundable; card only online.
“$60 - Initial Application”
Source: NY Department of State: Become a Notary Public
“Application fees are nonrefundable.”
Source: NY Department of State: Become a Notary Public
“Credit card or Debit card payments are the only payment methods accepted for online filings”
Social Security number
Required if you have one.
“if applicants have a social security number or individual tax identification number, they are required to provide this number.”
Names must match
Application, affirmation and oath.
“The name on the application must match the name that is provided on the affirmation of the application, and the Oath of office.”
After you apply in New York
| Status | Check it in your online account |
|---|---|
| County clerk | DOS sends your commission and oath to the county clerk |
Status
Check it in your online account.
“You will be able to log in to your account and view the status of your application.”
County clerk
DOS sends your commission and oath to the county clerk.
“After receiving and approving an applicant for a notary public commission, the Secretary of State forwards the commission, the original oath of office and the signature of the notary public to the appropriate county clerk.”
Source: NY DOS: Notary Public License Law (September 2026 study booklet)
Frequently asked questions
What do I need before I apply for a New York notary commission?
Exam first: Pass the exam (or be exempt) before you apply; Pass slip validity: Exam results are good for 2 years; Oath of Office: Complete it and scan it before you start; Account: NY.gov account for NY Business Express. Each point is quoted from the official source on this page.
What do I submit with a New York notary application, and what does it cost?
Pass slip: Copy, scan or photo; Oath of Office: Single-page scanned PDF, hand-signed in ink; Fee: $60, nonrefundable; card only online; Social Security number: Required if you have one; Names must match: Application, affirmation and oath. Each point is quoted from the official source on this page.
What happens after I submit my New York notary application?
Status: Check it in your online account; County clerk: DOS sends your commission and oath to the county clerk. Each point is quoted from the official source on this page.
Related: New York exam guide · New York Notary Fees · How to Become a Notary in New York · New York Notary Renewal · New York Notary Stamp and Seal Requirements · New York exam facts: passing score, cost, retakes · After you’re commissioned in New York
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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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