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Notary public · New York

How to become a notary in New York: the official requirements

Who can apply, the training, bond and term, and the steps, from the New York Department of State's own published requirements.

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Updated Nov 5, 2026 · Requirements: each state's notary authority or statute
Quick answer

To become a notary public in New York: Who can apply: At least 18; a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien; a New York resident, or with an office or place of business in New York State. A felony conviction, and certain misdemeanors, generally disqualify you unless you obtain a pardon or a certificate of relief from disabilities or of good conduct. Exam: Pass the notary public examination (results are valid for two years); New York State Bar members and qualifying court clerks are exempt. Commission term: Four years. Commissions are issued by the New York Department of State.

Requirements

Notary requirements in New York

Data
New York notary public requirements (New York Department of State)
RequirementNew York
Who can applyAt least 18; a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien; a New York resident, or with an office or place of business in New York State. A felony conviction, and certain misdemeanors, generally disqualify you unless you obtain a pardon or a certificate of relief from disabilities or of good conduct.
TrainingNot stated in the official source we read. Check with the New York Department of State.
ExamPass the notary public examination (results are valid for two years); New York State Bar members and qualifying court clerks are exempt.
BondNot stated in the official source we read. Check with the New York Department of State.
Commission termFour years.
State feeA $60 application fee and a $15 written exam fee.
Background checkNot stated in the official source we read. Check with the New York Department of State.
Oath and filingThe application includes an oath of office, which must be sworn and notarized; the Department of State forwards it with your commission to your county clerk.

Where the official source we read does not state something, the table says so rather than guessing.

Steps

How to apply in New York

Data
  1. Pass the notary public examination, unless you are exempt.
  2. Complete the oath of office and have it sworn and notarized.
  3. Apply online with a NY.gov account, uploading your passing exam slip and oath, and pay the $60 fee.
  4. Your commission is recorded with your county clerk, and you receive an identification card.
Next

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FAQ

Questions people ask

How do I become a notary in New York?
To become a notary public in New York: Who can apply: At least 18; a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien; a New York resident, or with an office or place of business in New York State. A felony conviction, and certain misdemeanors, generally disqualify you unless you obtain a pardon or a certificate of relief from disabilities or of good conduct. Exam: Pass the notary public examination (results are valid for two years); New York State Bar members and qualifying court clerks are exempt. Commission term: Four years. Commissions are issued by the New York Department of State.
How long is a notary commission in New York?
Four years.
Do I need a bond to be a notary in New York?
Not stated in the official source we read. Check with the New York Department of State.
Is training required to become a notary in New York?
Not stated in the official source we read. Check with the New York Department of State.
Method

How this page is built

Every requirement on this page comes from the New York Department of State's own published material, read on the dates shown. Requirements and fees change; the authority's current instructions govern.

What this page can't tell you
  • Not legal advice.
  • Fees charged by bonding agencies, course providers and fingerprint vendors are not included.
Sources
  1. New York Department of State, Frequently Asked Questions for Notary Public, official source, read Nov 5, 2026.
  2. New York Department of State, Become a Notary Public, official source, read Nov 5, 2026.
  3. New York Department of State, Notary Public Application Guidance (05.2026), official source, read Nov 5, 2026.