How to Become a Notary in New York (2026): Requirements and Steps
New York requires an application with the $60 fee, a passing score on the state exam (attorneys and court clerks are exempt), and New York residence or a New York office or place of business. Commissions run 4 years.
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New York notary requirements
| Residence or business | Live in NY, or have an office or place of business in NY |
|---|---|
| Exam | Pass the NY notary exam |
| Application and fee | Submit to the Department of State |
| Character and education | Good moral character; common school education |
Residence or business
Live in NY, or have an office or place of business in NY.
“Be a resident of New York State or have an office or place of business in New York State.”
Exam
Pass the NY notary exam.
“Pass the New York State notary public examination.”
Source: NY Department of State: Become a Notary Public
“NYS Attorneys and court clerks of the Unified Court System are exempt from the examination.”
Application and fee
Submit to the Department of State.
“Submit a completed application and the required fee to the Department of State.”
Character and education
Good moral character; common school education.
“the Secretary of State shall satisfy himself or herself that the applicant is of good moral character, has the equivalent of a common school education and is familiar with the duties and responsibilities of a notary public”
Source: NY DOS: Notary Public License Law (September 2026 study booklet)
Steps to become a notary in New York
| 1. Study the Notary Public License Law booklet | The exam follows it |
|---|---|
| 2. Pass the written exam | Walk-in sessions, $15 |
| 3. Complete the Oath of Office form | Before you start the online application |
| 4. Apply online through NY Business Express | Upload the oath; pay $60 |
1. Study the Notary Public License Law booklet
The exam follows it.
“Exam topics include: License law, general terms and information related to the duties and functions of a notary public, as outlined in the "Notary Public License Law" booklet available from the Division of Licensing Services.”
Source: NY Department of State: July-December 2026 notary written exam information and schedule
2. Pass the written exam
Walk-in sessions, $15.
“No pre-registration is required. Seats are limited and assigned on a first-come/first-served basis.”
Source: NY Department of State: July-December 2026 notary written exam information and schedule
“Late arrivals will not be admitted into the exam.”
Source: NY Department of State: July-December 2026 notary written exam information and schedule
“$15 examination fee. You may pay by check or money order made payable to the Department of State or charge the fee to MasterCard or Visa. Cash will not be accepted”
Source: NY Department of State: July-December 2026 notary written exam information and schedule
3. Complete the Oath of Office form
Before you start the online application.
“Prior to starting your online application, download, complete, and obtain a scanned copy (i.e., PDF file) of the Oath of Office form”
4. Apply online through NY Business Express
Upload the oath; pay $60.
“you must create a new account or login to your existing NY Business Express account.”
Source: NY Department of State: Become a Notary Public
“the applicant must submit a “pass slip” showing that s/he has taken and passed the notary public examination.”
Source: NY DOS: Notary Public License Law (September 2026 study booklet)
Renewing and keeping your commission
| Renewal fee | $60 every 4 years |
|---|
Renewal fee
$60 every 4 years.
“$60 - Renewal”
Frequently asked questions
What are the requirements to become a notary in New York?
Residence or business: Live in NY, or have an office or place of business in NY; Exam: Pass the NY notary exam; Application and fee: Submit to the Department of State; Character and education: Good moral character; common school education. Each point is quoted from the official source on this page.
What are the steps to become a notary in New York?
1. Study the Notary Public License Law booklet: The exam follows it; 2. Pass the written exam: Walk-in sessions, $15; 3. Complete the Oath of Office form: Before you start the online application; 4. Apply online through NY Business Express: Upload the oath; pay $60. Each point is quoted from the official source on this page.
Related: New York exam guide · New York Notary Fees · New York Notary Renewal · New York Notary Application · 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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