NOTARY ACADEMY
New York Notary Education & Professional Development
New York requires most first-time notary applicants to pass a state examination, but knowing the material on the exam is only the beginning of performing notarial acts responsibly.
Whether you're preparing for your first commission, renewing your appointment, or building an independent notary business, Notary Academy provides continuing education, practical learning, and professional development to help you strengthen your skills and judgment.
Where Are You in Your New York Notary Career?
Preparing to Become a Notary
You're learning New York's commissioning requirements, studying the Notary Public License Law, preparing for the state examination if required, and completing the application process.
Commissioned, But Still Finding Your Footing
You've received your commission, but now you're navigating signer identification, notarial certificates, required journal records, unfamiliar documents, and situations that require professional judgment.
Ready to Build a Stronger Business
You want to become more visible in your community, establish relationships with local professionals, build reliable business systems, and understand the requirements for any additional services you want to offer.
Wherever you are today, your next step should support what you're actually trying to accomplish.
Understanding New York Notary Requirements
New York notaries public are commissioned by the New York State Secretary of State through the Department of State's Division of Licensing Services.
New York Executive Law Article 6 and Title 19, Part 182 of the New York Codes, Rules and Regulations establish commissioning, notarial-practice, electronic notarization, and recordkeeping requirements.
New York distinguishes traditional notarial acts from electronic notarial acts that require additional registration.
Becoming a New York Notary Public
Applicants must satisfy New York's statutory citizenship or permanent-resident eligibility requirements and either reside in New York or maintain a qualifying office or place of business in the state. Qualifying nonresidents may apply through their New York business connection. Their oath and official signature are associated with the county in which the qualifying business or office is located.
Applicants must also meet the state's character and other statutory eligibility requirements.
Most initial applicants must pass the New York State written notary examination. Current members of the New York State Bar and qualifying court clerks of the Unified Court System are exempt from that examination.
The application process requires a completed oath of office, a passing examination result or qualifying exemption, the application information, and the required fee.
Applicants may apply through the New York Business Express online system using a personal NY.gov account.
The Department of State's current application fee is $60.
Once approved, the Secretary of State issues the commission. The appropriate county clerk maintains the commission and official-signature records.
New York notaries are commissioned for four-year terms and may perform authorized notarial acts throughout the state.
New York Notary Examination and Education
New York requires most first-time notary applicants to pass a written examination covering the laws, terminology, duties, and responsibilities described in the state's Notary Public License Law materials.
The Department of State administers the examination and publishes current examination schedules and instructions.
The examination is multiple choice, and applicants receive one hour to complete it.
Passing examination results remain valid for two years.
Applicants who fail may retake the examination on another scheduled date, subject to the Department of State's examination procedures.
New York does not require applicants to complete a mandatory commissioning education course before taking the traditional notary examination.
However, applicants remain responsible for understanding the law and performing notarial acts correctly.
Voluntary education, examination preparation, and continued professional development help notaries develop knowledge and practical skills beyond the material covered by the examination.
New York Notary Renewal
New York notary commissions last four years.
Notaries become eligible to renew beginning 90 days before their commissions expire.
Renewal applications may be submitted through New York Business Express. The applicant must locate the existing notary record, complete the renewal information, and submit the required oath and fee.
The Department of State's current renewal application fee is $60.
An existing commissioned notary renewing through the regular reappointment process is not required to retake the initial commissioning examination solely because the four-year commission is expiring.
Notaries are responsible for monitoring their commission expiration dates and completing renewal requirements on time.
A notary must not continue performing notarial acts under an expired commission.
New York Notary Journal and Recordkeeping Requirements
New York requires recordkeeping for all notaries public, including notaries performing only traditional, in-person acts.
These requirements took effect January 25, 2023.
Under 19 NYCRR § 182.9, notaries must create records contemporaneously with their notarial acts and retain those records for at least ten years.
The required records include the date and approximate time of the act, the type of act performed, the name and address of the individual, the number and type of services provided, identifying credentials when applicable, and the identity-verification procedures used.
New York permits records to be maintained securely, including through qualifying third-party record storage.
Electronic notarial acts involve additional recordkeeping concerning the communication technology and identity-verification services used.
For remote electronic acts, an audiovisual recording must also be maintained and retained for at least ten years.
The Department of State describes these requirements as maintaining a journal, but the law and regulations should be consulted for the required contents and permissible record formats.
Notaries must not assume that a traditional notarization is exempt from recordkeeping simply because it involves a paper document and an in-person signer.
New York Notary Bond, Seal, and Official Identification
New York does not require a surety bond as a condition of obtaining a traditional notary commission.
The state also does not require traditional notaries to use an embossed or inked seal. However, the absence of a mandatory seal does not eliminate the required identification information in a notarial certificate.
Under Executive Law § 137, the notary must include the applicable official information with the notarial signature and venue, including the notary's name, designation as a New York Notary Public, county of qualification, and commission expiration date.
Additional official-number requirements apply under 19 NYCRR Part 182.
Electronic notaries have separate electronic signature, electronic seal, identification-number, and exemplar requirements.
Notaries should consult the current Department of State guidance to ensure their traditional or electronic notarial certificates contain the required information.
Electronic and Remote Online Notarization in New York
New York authorizes registered electronic notaries to perform qualifying electronic notarial acts, including remote electronic notarizations.
Electronic notarization is governed by Executive Law § 135-c and 19 NYCRR Part 182.
Electronic Notary Registration
A traditional New York notary must register the capability to perform electronic notarial acts through the Department of State before offering electronic notarization services.
When the electronic notary commission is issued, the prior traditional commission is cancelled and the notary must use the new electronic notary identification number.
The electronic notary commission authorizes the holder to perform both traditional notarial services and authorized electronic notarial services.
The electronic notary must comply with additional requirements for electronic signatures, seals, technology, and submission of the required exemplar.
Remote Electronic Notarization
New York permits authorized electronic notaries to perform qualifying remote electronic notarial acts using compliant real-time audiovisual communication technology.
The notary must be physically located in New York during the electronic notarial act.
A remotely located signer may be outside New York, subject to the applicable conditions. Additional requirements apply when the individual is outside the United States.
Identity verification must follow a method authorized by New York law and regulations, including qualifying personal knowledge, credible-witness identification, or approved credential-analysis and identity-proofing procedures.
The notary must use compliant technology, verify the electronic record, complete the required electronic notarial certificate, and maintain the required audiovisual recording.
Remote electronic notarizations require specific certificate wording identifying the use of communication technology.
Remote Ink Notarization Is Not Authorized
New York previously permitted remote ink notarization, commonly called RIN, through temporary provisions.
That authority ended January 31, 2023.
New York's current remote notarization framework concerns electronic notarial acts performed under the applicable electronic-notary registration and technology rules.
A traditional notary commission alone does not authorize remote online notarization.
Papering Out an Electronically Notarized Record
New York permits a qualifying electronically notarized record to be converted into a tangible copy through the statutory certificate-of-authenticity process, sometimes called papering out.
The electronic notary certifies the tangible copy in the manner permitted by Executive Law § 135-c.
This is a defined statutory process. It should not be confused with the former remote ink notarization procedure.
New York Notary Fees and Business Responsibilities
New York establishes statutory maximum fees for traditional notarial acts.
Under Executive Law § 136, a notary may generally charge up to $2 for administering an oath or affirmation, or taking and certifying an acknowledgment or proof of execution by one person, subject to the applicable statutory provisions.
The maximum fee for a qualifying electronic notarial act is $25 per act.
The Department of State also identifies a $2 fee for the permitted certificate of authenticity used when papering out an electronically notarized record.
These are fees for legally authorized notarial acts. Notaries must not represent additional business expenses as mandatory statutory notarial fees.
New York also restricts the unauthorized practice of law and misleading representations of legal authority.
Non-attorney notaries may not provide legal advice or offer services that require an attorney's license.
Notaries building mobile or electronic service businesses should establish pricing and client communications that accurately describe their authorized services and comply with applicable law.
Official New York Notary Resources
The New York State Department of State is the commissioning and licensing authority for notaries public.
Executive Law Article 6 and 19 NYCRR Part 182 establish the controlling requirements for commissioning, notarial acts, electronic notarization, and recordkeeping.
Applicants and commissioned notaries should consult the current official materials when preparing for the examination, applying or renewing, keeping records, or performing electronic notarial acts.
(Click the links below)Â
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New York Department of State: Notary Public
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Becoming a New York Notary
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New York Notary Exam Information and Schedule
Current examination schedulesÂ
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New York Notary Renewal and Updates
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New York Notary Public FAQs
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New York Notary Public License Law
Official law and reference publicationÂ
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New York Electronic Notarization Rules, 19 NYCRR Part 182
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New York Business Express
Notary applications and renewals
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Your Commission Is Only the Beginning
New York requires most initial notary applicants to pass an examination, but passing that test doesn't prepare you for every situation you'll encounter.
What happens when a signer presents unfamiliar identification? When you're unsure how to complete a certificate correctly? When you're navigating New York's mandatory recordkeeping requirements or determining whether an electronic notarial act is authorized?
And if you're building a notary business, how do you become known by the people and organizations who may need your services?
These are situations where current legal knowledge, practical experience, professional judgment, and organized business systems matter.
Continued professional development helps you strengthen your understanding, recognize your legal boundaries, practice unfamiliar situations, and develop the skills needed to serve the public responsibly.
Your commission authorizes the work. What you learn and implement afterward shapes how you perform it.
Professional Development That Continues Beyond the Classroom
Notary Academy is a national notary education and professional development institution founded by Kimberly Sennett in 2020.
Our educational approach connects notarial knowledge, professional judgment, practical application, and business development.
Education Grounded in the Profession
Learn from experienced notary professionals who understand the responsibilities of the commission and the realities of serving clients.
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Learning That Connects to Practice
Develop your understanding through education, real-world examples, practical resources, and opportunities to apply what you've learned.
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A Path for Continued Business Growth
Whether you're strengthening foundations, establishing business, becoming visible, or refining skills, there is a structured pathway to help identify what deserves your attention next.
"Because being commissioned is only the beginning."
What Happens After You Learn the Information?Â
Knowing the rules is one part of professional development. Knowing how to apply what you've learned, make decisions, communicate with clients, and operate your business takes continued practice.
The Notary Academy Inner Circle brings education, practical resources, live learning, and professional guidance together in one ongoing membership.
It's an environment where you can continue building your skills and business without having to piece together every next step on your own.
Build the Skills and Business That Fit Your Goals
New York notaries serve in many professional environments. Some perform notarial acts as part of their employment, while others want to develop independent mobile notary businesses, build local referral relationships, or expand into authorized electronic notarization.
Your goals should reflect New York's legal requirements, your professional knowledge, the services you're authorized and prepared to offer, and the people you want to serve.
Developing a sustainable business also requires reliable communication, consistent procedures, professional relationships, and a local presence that helps prospective clients find and remember you.
Inside the Inner Circle, The Implementation Path helps members identify their current stage and focus on the work that matters most.
Strengthen Your Foundations
Develop your understanding of notarial responsibilities, procedures, compliance, and professional judgment.
Become Known in Your Community
Learn how to develop your professional presence, build local relationships, communicate your value, and become easier to find & hire.
Build With IntentionÂ
Develop business systems, evaluate your progress, practice unfamiliar situations, and make informed decisions about the future.Â
How do I become a Notary Public in New York?
Does New York require a notary education course or examination?
How do I renew a New York notary commission?
Does New York require a notary journal?
Can New York notaries perform remote online notarizations?
What fees may New York notaries charge?
Does Inner Circle membership replace New York's commissioning requirements?
Ready to Build More With Your New York Notary Commission?
New York requires most applicants to demonstrate foundational knowledge through the state examination. Developing the professional judgment, relationships, and business practices to serve the public responsibly takes continued learning and intentional action.
If you're ready to strengthen your notarial skills, practice unfamiliar situations, become more visible in your community, and build a business that fits your goals, explore the professional development available through Notary Academy.
"Because being commissioned is only the beginning."
