New York Notary Cheat Sheet.
The New York Notary numbers, rules and traps that decide questions, on one page. Review them here, then download the free PDF for offline study.
Download the PDFQuick facts
the numbers to know before exam day- Passing score
- 70%
- Exam fee
- $15
- Governing body
- New York Department of State
Full write-up
the complete guide, in proseNew York Notary: Exam and Practice Reference
Most applicants must pass the written examination. New York attorneys and qualifying Unified Court System court clerks appointed after a qualifying Civil Service promotional examination are exempt from the written exam; application and fee requirements still apply.
- Written exam: $15. Commission application: $60. The $20 county-clerk allocation is included in the application fee.
- Commission term: four years.
- Acknowledgment: the signer acknowledges a genuine, voluntary signature; prior signing may be acknowledged.
- Jurat: the signer takes an oath or affirmation and signs before the notary.
Appearance and identity
For ordinary acknowledgments and jurats, personal appearance is required. It may be physical or, for an authorized electronic act, through compliant communication technology. A mailed signature or ordinary telephone call alone is insufficient.
For physical appearance, 19 NYCRR 182.5(b) allows qualifying valid current government photo identification, at least two qualifying current signed documents, personal knowledge, one sworn witness known to both signer and notary, or two sworn witnesses who know the signer and provide qualifying government identification.
Records
Record the date, approximate time and type of act; names and addresses of persons served; number and type of services; identification credential type and applicable witness details; and appearance-verification procedures. Electronic acts also require technology and provider details. Retain records for at least ten years.
Seal and certificate
New York does not require a notary seal. Required identifying information beside the signature must be printed, typed or stamped in black ink under Executive Law §137; an optional seal does not replace it.
Executive Law §137 requires the commissioned name, Notary Public State of New York, county of qualification and commission expiration beside the signature, with additional certificate-of-character information where applicable. Official number must be affixed to instruments requiring an oath or affirmation under 19 NYCRR 182.3(a)(4).
Refuse improper requests
Do not backdate, act with a direct pecuniary interest, or give legal advice as a non-attorney. A mailed signature, borrowed stamp or incomplete identity check does not become valid because a customer is in a hurry.
Source: New York Department of State Notary Public License Law (March 2026), Executive Law §§131, 135-c, 137 and 19 NYCRR Part 182.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between an acknowledgment and a jurat?
In an acknowledgment, the signer declares the signature is genuine and made willingly, does not have to sign in your presence, and takes no oath. In a jurat, the signer must sign in front of you and swear or affirm that the document's statements are true — it's the act used for affidavits. This distinction is one of the most heavily tested points on the exam.
What must-know rules should I memorize from the cheat sheet?
For ordinary acknowledgments and jurats, personal appearance is required. It may be physical or, for an authorized electronic act, through compliant communication technology. A mailed signature or ordinary telephone call alone is insufficient. Record the date, approximate time and type of act; names and addresses of persons served; number and type of services; identification credential type and applicable witness details; and appearance-verification procedures. Electronic acts also require technology and provider details. Retain records for at least ten years.
What are the most common traps on the NY notary exam?
The classic traps are conflict-of-interest and unauthorized-practice questions. Remember that you must not notarize a document you are a party to or have a direct financial or beneficial interest in, and that a non-attorney notary may not give legal advice, charge for legal advice, or prepare legal documents for others. Questions often dress these up in sympathetic scenarios to tempt you into the wrong answer.
What should I know about the notary seal and journal?
New York does not require a notary seal. Required identifying information beside the signature must be printed, typed or stamped in black ink under Executive Law §137; an optional seal does not replace it. Executive Law §137 requires the commissioned name, Notary Public State of New York, county of qualification and commission expiration beside the signature, with additional certificate-of-character information where applicable. Official number must be affixed to instruments requiring an oath or affirmation under 19 NYCRR 182.3(a)(4).
How should I use the cheat sheet the night before the exam?
Use it as a final memory pass, not a first read: skim the whole sheet once, then quiz yourself out loud on the definitions and rules you hesitate on. Stop when you can recite the key distinctions without looking. The cheat sheet condenses what you have already practiced — it complements full study and practice questions rather than replacing them.
Sources
- 1.Notary Public Frequently Asked Questions — New York Department of State (accessed Sep 7, 2026)
- 2.New York Notary Public License Law, March 2026 — New York Department of State (accessed Sep 7, 2026)
Official sources
Primary documents used to verify the exam details shown on this page.
- New York Notary Public License Law, March 2026New York Department of Statedos.ny.gov
- NY Executive Law § 130 — Appointment of Notaries PublicNew York State Legislaturenysenate.gov
- Become a Notary PublicNew York Department of Statedos.ny.gov
- Renew or Update Notary Public LicenseNew York State Department of Statedos.ny.gov
- NY Executive Law § 136 — Notary Public; FeesNew York State Legislaturenysenate.gov
- NY Executive Law § 131 — Procedure of Appointment; FeesNew York State Legislaturenysenate.gov
- Notary Public Frequently Asked QuestionsNew York Department of Statedos.ny.gov
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