How to Become a Notary in New York

Want to learn how to become a notary in New York? Becoming a notary public in New York can be a rewarding and lucrative career choice. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps required to become a notary in New York, including the qualifications, application process, examination, and more. We’ll also discuss how to make money as a notary in the Empire State.

Introduction

A notary public is an important public officer who performs essential tasks such as administering oaths, taking affidavits, and certifying the authenticity of signatures on legal documents. In New York, notaries are appointed by the Secretary of State and are authorized to perform notarial acts throughout the state. This guide will provide a step-by-step process for becoming a notary in New York, maintaining your commission, and making money as a notary.

Requirements for Becoming a Notary Public in New York

Before applying for a notary commission in New York, you must ensure that you meet the following requirements:

• You must be at least 18 years old.
• You must be a resident of New York State or have a place of business or office in the state.
• You must not have any recent felony convictions. Certain misdemeanor convictions may also disqualify you.
• You must be a United States citizen or a permanent resident alien.
• You do not need any special education or experience to become a notary public in New York.

Obtain the New York State Licensing Law Booklet

The first step in becoming a notary public in New York is to obtain the New York State Licensing Law Booklet, which contains important information on the laws and regulations governing notaries in the state. The booklet also includes the exam schedule and procedures. You can obtain the booklet from the New York Secretary of State, Division of Licensing Services, or the New York State Notary Public Association.

Study for the Notary Public Examination

The next step is to study for the notary public examination. The exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions, and you must answer at least 70% of the questions correctly to pass. It is recommended that you study for about a week if you are studying on your own, as there is a 60% failure rate for individuals who do not study. If you take an online class or attend a 5-hour class with the N.Y.S. Notary Association, the pass rate is 99%.

Schedule Your Examination

Once you have studied for the notary public examination, you will need to schedule your exam. The exam is administered weekly in major metropolitan areas throughout New York State, except on state holidays. To schedule your exam, visit the Department of State’s website for the latest exam schedule. Be sure to bring a valid government-issued photo ID and a $15 examination fee to the exam.

Obtain Your Pass Slip and Oath of Office

After passing the notary public examination, you will receive a pass slip in the mail along with your Oath of Office affidavit. You must take your affidavit to any notary public or the county clerk to have it notarized.

Submit Your Application and Fee

Next, mail your notarized Oath of Office affidavit to the Division of Licensing Services, along with a $60 filing fee made payable to the “Secretary of State.” Your notary public license will arrive in the mail within 6 to 8 weeks of the date the county clerk receives your application for reappointment as a notary public.

New York State Notary Supplies

Once you have been appointed as a notary public in New York State, you will need to purchase the necessary supplies. This includes an embosser or seal, which must be used to certify documents and authenticate your signature.

You may also want to invest in a notarial record book, which is used to keep track of all your notarizations. You can purchase these supplies from a number of online retailers that specialize in notary supplies.

Permitted Notarial Acts Per New York State Notary Laws

Once you have your notary public license, you are authorized to perform a variety of notarial acts in New York State. These include taking acknowledgments, administering oaths and affirmations, certifying copies of documents, and witnessing or attesting signatures.

All notarial acts must be performed in English. Additionally, New York State law requires that all notaries keep a journal of all their notarial acts. The journal must be kept for 10 years after the date of the last entry and should contain the details of each transaction including the date, type of document, signer’s name and address, fees charged, and a description of any identification presented.

Perform Electronic and Remote Notarizations

As of January 31, 2023, New York notaries can perform electronic and remote notarizations. To become an electronic notary in New York, you must have an active traditional notary commission and complete the online application process. Once your application is approved, you will be issued a new registration number and expiration date. Your electronic notary commission will authorize you to provide both electronic remote online notarial services and traditional notarial services.

Change of Name or Address

If your name or address changes during your commission, you must notify the Division of Licensing Services within five days of the change by submitting a “Change Notice” form along with a $10 fee. If your name change is the result of a change in marital status, the fee is not required. You must continue to notarize using the name under which you were commissioned throughout the remainder of your term.

Renew Your Notary Commission

To renew your notary commission, you can do so online or by mail. The renewal process involves submitting a completed notary renewal application and a $60 fee to the county clerk where you are commissioned within six months of your expiration date. If you submit your renewal application more than six months after your license expiration date, the county clerk will not be able to accept your application, and you will need to retake the exam and apply as a new applicant.

Making Money as a Notary in New York

As a notary public in New York, you can charge fees for the notarial acts you perform. The maximum allowable fees that a New York notary public may charge for notarial acts are as follows:

• Administering an oath or affirmation: $2
• Taking and certifying the acknowledgment or proof of execution of a written instrument by one person: $2, and by each additional person, $2
• Swearing each witness thereto: $2
• Electronic notarial acts: $25 per act
• Certificate of authenticity for any document created through an electronic notarial act: $2

Become A Mobile Notary

In addition to charging fees for notarial acts, you can also offer additional services such as document preparation, mobile notary services, or becoming a signing agent for loan closings. By providing these additional services and marketing yourself effectively, you can increase your income potential as a notary public in New York.

Conclusion

Becoming a notary public in New York is a rewarding and potentially lucrative career choice. By following the steps outlined in this comprehensive guide, you can successfully obtain your notary commission and start providing valuable services to clients in your community. With the proper training, dedication, and marketing, you can make money as a notary in New York and enjoy a fulfilling career.