How to Become a Notary in New York (2026)
Step-by-step guide to getting your New York notary commission — fees, bond, exam, and timeline. All data from official New York state sources.
A state-by-state reference covering notary fee caps, remote online notarization (RON) availability, and step-by-step instructions for getting documents notarized from home. Know your rights and the legal maximums before you pay a notary.
See exactly what you get- All 50 states — fee caps for acknowledgments, jurats, oaths, and RON
- RON status for every state — which states allow remote online notarization in 2026
- Step-by-step guide to getting documents notarized via video call
- Mobile notary tips — what to ask upfront, how to avoid overcharging
- Instant download — open in any browser, print to PDF
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How to Become a Notary in New York — Step by Step
Meet the eligibility requirements
To become a notary in New York, you must be at least 18 years old, a legal U.S. resident, and either a resident of New York or regularly employed there. You cannot have felony convictions (in most states) unless your civil rights have been restored.
Pass the notary exam
New York requires all applicants to pass a written notary exam. The exam fee is $15. Schedule your exam through the state or an approved testing provider. Study the New York notary handbook — available free from the Department of State — Division of Licensing Services.
Submit your application to the Department of State — Division of Licensing Services
File your completed notary application with the Department of State — Division of Licensing Services and pay the $60 application fee. Include your exam pass certificate. Most states now accept online applications.
Receive your commission and take your oath of office
After your application is approved, you'll receive your notary commission certificate. You must then take an official oath of office — typically before a notary public, judge, or court clerk — by the deadline in your commission letter.
Purchase your notary supplies
Order your official New York notary seal or stamp and a notary journal/record book. Most states require a specific seal format — check the Department of State — Division of Licensing Services requirements for approved shapes, ink colors, and required text.
Start notarizing — and consider signing agent training
Once commissioned, you can begin performing notarizations in New York. Traditional notary fees in New York: up to $2 per act (state-capped). New York also allows Remote Online Notarization (RON), capped at $25 per act — a growing income opportunity. For higher earnings, consider training as a notary signing agent (see below).
Get Your New York Notary Training Materials
NotaryPublicCentral has state-specific study guides and training for New York. Use code LEGALCOSTCALC for $10 off.
New York Notary Commission — Cost Summary
| State application fee | $60 |
| Commission term | 4 years |
| Surety bond | Not required |
| Exam | Required — $15 fee |
| Education course | Not required |
| Filing office | Department of State — Division of Licensing Services |
| RON available | Yes |
| Fees charged by the state (application + exam) | $75 |
Application fee: $60. Written exam fee: $15 (exempt: active NY Bar members and certain court clerks). Oath filed with the county clerk. Commission issued by the county.
Source: Department of State — Division of Licensing Services — Official New York Notary Page ↗
What Can a New York Notary Charge?
New York caps notary fees at $2 per notarial act. Remote online notarizations are capped at $25. $2 per notarization in-person; $25 for RON. Travel fees must be agreed in advance.
Source: New York Notary Fee Authority ↗
Earn $75–$200 Per Signing as a New York Notary Signing Agent
Once you have your New York notary commission, you can earn serious income as a signing agent at real estate loan closings. Loan Signing System teaches you how to find clients and run a full signing business.