For Notaries · New York
How to Become a Notary in New York
To become a notary in New York, be at least 18, a New York resident or have a New York business, and of good moral character. Pass the $15 state written exam (attorneys and court clerks are exempt), then file your application with a $60 fee to the Department of State. No bond is required; commissions last four years.
Last updated: July 9, 2026 · By Andrew Ray Yon, MBA, ChFC — CEO & Founder, USA Notary
New York commissions notaries through the Department of State's Division of Licensing Services, and its process stands out from many states: there is a mandatory written exam but no surety bond. After passing the $15 exam at an approved test center, you file an application with a $60 fee for a four-year commission. New York attorneys and Unified Court System court clerks skip the exam entirely. Since February 1, 2023, commissioned New York notaries can also register as Electronic Notaries to perform remote online notarizations.
New York Notary Requirements at a Glance
| Eligibility | Be a resident of New York State (or maintain an office or place of business in New York), at least 18 years old, of good moral character, with the equivalent of a common-school education and enough English proficiency to understand notary duties and pass the exam. |
|---|---|
| Surety bond | Not required. New York does not require a notary public to post a surety bond. |
| State filing fee | $60 initial application fee (plus the $15 exam fee) |
| Commission term | 4 years |
| Notary education | No state-approved training course is mandated. New York expects the equivalent of a common-school education, but the real gate is passing the written state exam (unless you qualify for an exemption). |
| Exam | Required. Applicants must pass a $15 proctored written examination administered in paper format at approved test centers. New York attorneys and court clerks of the Unified Court System are exempt. |
New York charges $15 for the written notary public examination and a $60 initial application fee; commissions run four years, and no surety bond is required. — New York Department of State — Become a Notary Public
How to Become a Notary in New York: Step by Step
- 1
Confirm you're eligible
Be at least 18, a New York resident or have a place of business in New York, and of good moral character with the equivalent of a common-school education.
- 2
Register for and pass the $15 written exam
Sign up for the New York State notary public examination ($15) and pass it at an approved test center. New York attorneys and Unified Court System court clerks are exempt and can skip this step.
- 3
Submit your application and $60 fee
Complete the notary public application, attach your exam pass slip, and file it with the $60 fee to the New York Department of State's Division of Licensing Services.
- 4
Receive your commission and file with the county clerk
Once approved, the Secretary of State issues a four-year commission. Your commission and signature are filed with your county clerk, where the public can verify your authority to notarize.
- 5
Get your supplies and start notarizing
Obtain a notary stamp or seal and keep a journal of your notarial acts (required for New York notaries). You can then notarize documents throughout New York State.
How to Become an Online (Remote) Notary in New York
Available. Since February 1, 2023, New York notaries can register as Electronic Notaries with the Department of State to perform remote online notarizations. You must already hold a traditional New York notary commission, register online through NY Business Express, and pay a $60 fee. You must be physically located in New York during each electronic notarization and may charge up to $25 per electronic notarial act.
Online / remote notary application fee: $60 electronic notary registration
Electronic/remote online notarization has been operative since February 1, 2023 under New York Executive Law Section 135-c.
See how RON is authorized in New York — and state by state →
Walk through the New York remote online notarization process →
Traditional Notary vs. Remote Online Notary in New York
New York allows remote online notarization, so once you hold a New York commission you can register to notarize for signers who appear over live video — and take on assigned online signings.
| Traditional (in-person) notary | Remote online notary (RON) | |
|---|---|---|
| How the signer appears | In person, in the same room | Over a live, recorded audio-video call |
| Available in New York? | Yes | Available now — register once commissioned |
| What you need | Seal and journal | An approved RON platform, identity-proofing, and a digital certificate |
| Where the work comes from | Local, walk-in and mobile appointments | Nationwide — e.g. assigned online signings through USA Notary |
What Does It Cost to Become a Notary in New York?
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Written exam fee | $15 (waived for attorneys and Unified Court System clerks) |
| State application fee | $60 (fixed by the state) |
| Surety bond | Not required |
| Notary stamp/seal & journal | Varies by supplier |
| Electronic notary registration (optional, for RON) | $60 (fixed by the state) |
See costs and fees on USA Notary for platform-side details.
Turn Your New York Commission Into Income
Getting commissioned is step one. USA Notary connects commissioned notaries with assigned, paid remote signings — so your commission actually earns. Learn how New York notaries earn, check the platform requirements for New York notaries, and browse become-a-notary guides for other states.
Join USA Notary as a notaryFrequently Asked Questions
Becoming a Notary in Other States
Requirements differ by state — here are nearby Mid-Atlantic guides and other popular states. See the full 50-state directory.
About the author
Andrew Ray Yon, MBA, ChFC
CEO & Founder, USA Notary Services LLC
Andrew Ray Yon is the founder and CEO of USA Notary Services LLC and the architect of the SharpNote remote online notarization platform. A Certified Notary Signing Agent since 2005, he has handled mortgage and title loan signings for two decades and holds an MBA and the ChFC (Chartered Financial Consultant) designation. Based in Virginia’s Greater Richmond region, he leads the company’s strategy, compliance, and platform development.
Connect on LinkedInOfficial sources
- New York Department of State — Become a Notary Public
- New York Department of State — Notary Public FAQ
- New York Department of State — Electronic Notary License System
- New York State Bar Association — Electronic Notary Services
This guide summarizes public requirements from New York's notary authority and is for general information, not legal advice. Requirements and fees can change — always confirm current details with your state before applying.