New York State Notary Public Exam Exam Guide

Exam Content & Core Competencies

The NY Notary Exam tests your knowledge of fundamental notarial acts and the duties and restrictions that govern notaries in New York. You'll need to understand the distinction between an acknowledgment—where a signer declares that a signature is genuine and willingly made—and a jurat, where the signer must be physically present and take an oath that statements are true.

The exam covers critical responsibilities, including your obligation to refuse notarizations when a signer appears coerced, does not understand the transaction, or cannot be properly identified. You must know how to identify signers through personal knowledge or satisfactory evidence such as government-issued ID, and you must understand what goes into a notary journal: the date and time, type of act, type of document, signer name and address, and identification method used.

You'll also be tested on prohibited acts—a non-attorney notary cannot give legal advice or prepare legal documents, cannot notarize a signature unless the signer is physically present, and cannot notarize a document in which you have a direct financial or beneficial interest. Additionally, you must maintain exclusive control of your official seal and journal, which includes your name, "Notary Public," the state of New York, and your commission expiration date.

Eligibility & Prerequisites

To apply for a New York notary commission, you must be a resident of New York State or have an office or place of business in the state at the time of appointment. The state requires that you be of good moral character, have the equivalent of a common school education, and be familiar with the duties of a notary public. You must also submit an oath of office, duly executed before a person authorized to administer an oath, along with your signature.

The written exam fee is $15 USD. In addition to the exam, there is a $60 USD application fee. You'll also need to pay $20 USD as a county clerk apportionment. Once commissioned, you can charge fees for your services: $2 USD per person for an acknowledgment, $2 USD per oath or affirmation, and $10 USD for a change of address or duplicate commission.

The exam is a written test administered by the New York Department of State. You must achieve a passing score of 70% to be commissioned. Upon passing, your notary commission is valid for 4 years, after which you are responsible for tracking your license expiration date and renewing on time. The state allows a 90-day renewal window before your commission expires.