New York Notary Stamp and Seal Requirements (2026): What It Must Show, How to Use It, and Who Owns It
New York does not require a notary seal. What it does require (Executive Law section 137) is that you print, typewrite or stamp, in black ink beneath your signature, your name, the words "Notary Public State of New York", the county where you qualified, and your commission expiration date. Many notaries use a rubber stamp for this block; if you use a seal, the Department of State says it only needs your name and "Notary Public for the State of New York".
Start free New York practice test (20 questions) Free 40-question timed practice exam
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.
What a New York notary stamp must show
| Seal | Not required in New York |
|---|---|
| Required beneath your signature | Name, "Notary Public State of New York", qualifying county, expiration date |
| Certificate of official character | Add the county where it is filed, where required |
| Attorneys | May substitute "Attorney and Counselor at Law" |
Seal
Not required in New York.
“The laws of the State of New York do not require the use of seals by notaries public. If a seal is used, it should sufficiently identify the notary public, his authority and jurisdiction. It is the opinion of the Department of State that the only inscription required is the name of the notary and the words “Notary Public for the State of New York.””
Source: NY DOS: Notary Public License Law (September 2026 study booklet)
Required beneath your signature
Name, "Notary Public State of New York", qualifying county, expiration date.
“In exercising powers pursuant to this article, a notary public, in addition to the venue of the act and signature of such notary public, shall print, typewrite, stamp, or affix by electronic means where performing an electronic notarial act in conformity with section one hundred thirty-five-c of the executive law, beneath their signature in black ink, the notary public’s name, the words “Notary Public State of New York,” the name of the county in which such notary public originally qualified, and the expiration date of such notary public’s commission”
Source: NY DOS: Notary Public License Law (September 2026 study booklet)
Certificate of official character
Add the county where it is filed, where required.
“wherever required, a notary public shall also include the name of any county in which such notary public’s certificate of official character is filed, using the words “Certificate filed ................... County.””
Source: NY DOS: Notary Public License Law (September 2026 study booklet)
Attorneys
May substitute "Attorney and Counselor at Law".
“A notary public who is duly licensed as an attorney and counselor at law in this State may, substitute the words “Attorney and Counselor at Law” for the words “Notary Public.””
Source: NY DOS: Notary Public License Law (September 2026 study booklet)
How to use the stamp in New York
| New York City counties | Also add your official number in black ink |
|---|---|
| Sign as appointed | Use only the name you were appointed under |
| If you skip the block | The act stays valid, but willful failure means discipline |
New York City counties
Also add your official number in black ink.
“A notary public who has qualified or who has filed a certificate of official character in the office of the clerk in a county or counties within the City of New York must also affix to each instrument such notary public’s official number or numbers in black ink, as assigned by the clerk or clerks of such county or counties at the time such notary qualified in such county or counties”
Source: NY DOS: Notary Public License Law (September 2026 study booklet)
Sign as appointed
Use only the name you were appointed under.
“A notary public must sign the name under which he was appointed and no other.”
Source: NY DOS: Notary Public License Law (September 2026 study booklet)
If you skip the block
The act stays valid, but willful failure means discipline.
“No official act of such notary public shall be held invalid on account of the failure to comply with these provisions. If any notary public shall willfully fail to comply with any of the provisions of this section, the notary public shall be subject to disciplinary action by the secretary of state.”
Source: NY DOS: Notary Public License Law (September 2026 study booklet)
Keeping the stamp safe, and when the commission ends
| Electronic notaries | Keep signature and seal access information secret |
|---|
Electronic notaries
Keep signature and seal access information secret.
“(b) The notary public shall not disclose any access information used to affix the electronic notary’s signature and seal except when requested by the secretary of state or a designee, or judicial subpoena, and with reasonable precautions, electronic document preparation and transmission vendors.”
Source: NY DOS: Notary Public License Law (September 2026 study booklet)
Frequently asked questions
What has to be on a New York notary stamp?
Seal: Not required in New York; Required beneath your signature: Name, "Notary Public State of New York", qualifying county, expiration date; Certificate of official character: Add the county where it is filed, where required; Attorneys: May substitute "Attorney and Counselor at Law". Each point is quoted from the official source on this page.
What are the size, ink and placement rules for a New York notary stamp?
New York City counties: Also add your official number in black ink; Sign as appointed: Use only the name you were appointed under; If you skip the block: The act stays valid, but willful failure means discipline. Each point is quoted from the official source on this page.
Who owns a New York notary stamp, and what happens to it when the commission ends?
Electronic notaries: Keep signature and seal access information secret. 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 Application · New York exam facts: passing score, cost, retakes · After you’re commissioned in New York
Studying for the New York exam? Try a practice question (question 1 of 20, no signup)
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: .