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● NEW - Division of Licensing has MOVED 4/2/12
● Automobile Broker Requirement 12/1/11
● Hair Product Hazards
     • Consumer Alert (pdf)
     • Owner/Worker Alert (pdf)
● New for Appearance Enhancement and    Barber Applicants & Licensees 4/14/11
   (Eff. 07/01/11)
● Disclosure Regarding Dual Agency in Real    Estate Relationship 11/30/10
   (Eff. 01/01/11)

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Notaries Public are "commissioned" (i.e., licensed) by the Secretary of State. An applicant for a notary public commission must submit to the Division of Licensing Services an original application and $60 fee. The application includes an oath of office, which must be sworn and notarized. In addition to the application form and fee, the applicant must submit a "pass slip" showing that he or she has taken and passed the notary public examination. Examinations are regularly scheduled throughout the state. NYS Attorneys and court clerks of the Unified Court System are exempt from the examination. Notarial functions include:

• administering oaths and affirmations;
• taking affidavits and depositions;
• receiving and certifying acknowledgments or proof of such written instruments as deeds, mortgages and powers of attorney; and;
• demanding acceptance or payment of foreign and inland bills of exchange, promissory notes and obligations in writing, and protesting the same for non-payment

Many banks, law offices and other institutions which deal in financial or real property transactions employ individuals who are commissioned as Notaries Public.

It is the responsibility of licensees to understand the Notary Public Law.

The Department of State is drafting proposed regulations pertaining to foreign language advertisements placed by notaries public. To comment on the draft regulation (pdf), please contact Whitney A. Clark, Associate Attorney, NYS Department of State, Office of Counsel, One Commerce Plaza, 99 Washington Avenue, Albany NY 12231.

Registration Requirements

Fees and terms of registration

Forms:

• Duplicate License/Registration Request
• Change Notice (Required when changing a name or address)

Notary Public Application
This application is not suitable for downloading. Individuals who pass the notary public examination will be mailed a notary public application with their examination results. NYS Attorneys and court clerks of the Unified Court System who are exempt from the examination can email us at licensing@dos.ny.gov. Please be sure to include your full name and mailing address when requesting a notary public application.

Special Testing Arrangements Request

Examination Information and Schedule:

• Written Exam:
  • January - June 2012

Legal Memoranda

Frequently Asked Questions