Notary Public

ALERT: As part of Executive Order 202.7, electronic notarization is permitted under the following circumstances: 

Any notarial act that is required under New York State law is authorized to be performed utilizing audio-video technology provided that the following conditions are met: 

  • The person seeking the Notary's services, if not personally known to the Notary, must present valid photo ID to the Notary during the video conference, not merely transmit it prior to or after; 

  • The video conference must allow for direct interaction between the person and the Notary (e.g. no pre-recorded videos of the person signing); 

  • The person must affirmatively represent that he or she is physically situated in the State of New York; 

  • The person must transmit by fax or electronic means a legible copy of the signed document directly to the Notary on the same date it was signed; 

  • The Notary may notarize the transmitted copy of the document and transmit the same back to the person; and 

  • The Notary may repeat the notarization of the original signed document as of the date of execution provided the Notary receives such original signed document together with the electronically notarized copy within thirty days after the date of execution. 

  • The Executive Order has been extended to May 16, 2021.

Guidance to Notaries Concerning Executive Order 202.7

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 have 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.

Registration Requirements

Fees and terms of registration

Forms: (pdf)

Examination Information and Schedule

Exam Candidate COVID-19 Mandatory Checklist

Legal Memoranda Link opens in new window

Frequently Asked Questions

LICENSE LAW —  pdf It is the responsibility of licensees to understand the Notary Public License Law.

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