Notary Fees
New York's notarial fee cap is among the lowest in the country and is a favorite exam item.
The $2 maximum fee
A New York notary may charge no more than $2 for administering an oath or affirmation, and no more than $2 for taking an acknowledgment or proof (per person, for swearing the witness and the certificate). Protesting a note and related acts have their own small statutory fees. Charging more than the statutory maximum is prohibited.
Exam and remote-act fees
The New York exam fee is $15. For remote notarizations, New York allows an additional statutory fee on top of the base act fee. Always verify current figures against the New York License Law, and record fees charged as a best practice.
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