Commission: Eligibility, Term, Bond & Oath
New York commissions run four years. Applicants pass the exam (unless exempt, such as attorneys), file with the county clerk, and meet residency/office requirements.
Eligibility and term
An applicant must be 18+, of good moral character, and be a resident of New York State OR have an office or place of business in New York. Most applicants must pass the state exam; New York attorneys are exempt from the exam. A New York notary commission is valid for four years.
Filing and jurisdiction
The commission is filed with the county clerk, and the notary may act throughout New York State. The exam pass letter is valid for two years, so an applicant must file the application within that window. A notary who moves out of state (with no NY office) vacates the commission.
State-specific details
State exam facts
- State regulator
- New York Department of State, Division of Licensing Services
- Passing score
- 70%
Does New York require a notary exam?
Yes. New York uses a walk-in, closed-book, written multiple-choice exam administered by the Department of State — there is no pre-registration and seating is first-come. It is based on the Notary Public License Law booklet. New York attorneys and Unified Court System court clerks are exempt.
What score do I need to pass the New York notary exam?
You must score at least 70% to pass; results are reported as pass or fail rather than a numeric grade.
How much can a New York notary charge per act?
New York caps notary fees at $2.00 per notarial act under Executive Law §136 — one of the lowest statutory fee limits in the country.
How long is a New York notary commission?
A New York notary public commission runs for 4 years.
Sources: https://dos.ny.gov/notary-public, https://dos.ny.gov/become-notary-public