If you are reading this, chances are you are considering becoming a Notary Public in New York State. Perhaps you have already submitted your application or are simply curious about the process. Maybe you work in a bank, a title company, or a law office and your employer has suggested you pursue a commission. Or perhaps you are an entrepreneur looking to expand your service offerings. Whatever brought you here, you have taken the first step toward joining a profession that has served the public trust for centuries.
As a commissioned NYS Remote Online Notary, I have walked this path myself. I know the mix of excitement and apprehension that comes with preparing for the exam, and I am here to share everything I know about the training courses, study resources, and strategies that will help you succeed.
One thing that surprises most applicants: New York State does not require you to complete a specific training course before sitting for the exam. Unlike many states with mandatory education hours, New York leaves it up to you to study the Notary Public License Law on your own. This is both a blessing and a challenge. You have the freedom to choose how you prepare, but you also bear full responsibility for knowing the material. There is no state-approved provider list to guide you, no required curriculum to follow. The onus is entirely on the applicant.
The Exam: What to Expect
The NYS Notary Public Examination is a one-hour, closed-book, proctored multiple-choice test. It is administered at testing centers throughout the state, including Albany, Binghamton, Buffalo, Franklin Square, Hauppauge, New York City, Plattsburgh, Rochester, Syracuse, and Utica. Examination schedules are posted on the Department of State website in January and July of each year, and seating is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Because seats fill quickly, it is wise to register as soon as the schedule is published rather than waiting until the last minute.
The exam fee is $15, and you must bring your photo ID, two number 2 pencils, and the fee to the test site. Current members of the New York State Bar Association and court clerks of the Unified Court System who have passed the civil service promotional exam are exempt from the examination. If you fall into one of these exempt categories, you can skip straight to the application step, though many attorneys still choose to take the exam to familiarize themselves with notarial procedures.
The test draws its questions directly from the Notary Public License Law, which is available as a free PDF on the New York Department of State website. Approximately 40 percent of the exam focuses on notary law vocabulary and terminology, while the remaining 60 percent tests your understanding of the procedures, duties, and legal obligations of a New York Notary Public.
It is important to understand that this is a closed-book exam. You will not have access to the License Law during the test, so memorization of key definitions and procedures is essential. The questions are straightforward but require genuine comprehension of the law rather than surface-level familiarity. Many applicants underestimate the vocabulary portion and find themselves struggling with terms they have never encountered before.
What happens if you do not pass? You may retake the exam at the next available testing session. There is no limit on the number of attempts, but you must pay the $15 fee each time. Most well-prepared candidates pass on their first attempt, and the practice exams included in quality prep courses will give you a reliable indication of whether you are ready.
Best Online Courses and Study Resources
Because the state does not mandate a course, the market for NYS notary exam preparation is open to several providers. After reviewing the available options and speaking with fellow notaries who have recently passed the exam, here are the top resources.
- National Notary Association (NNA) – Prepare for and Pass the New York Notary Exam
The NNA is the nation’s largest notary trade association, and their New York Notary Exam course is widely regarded as the gold standard for exam preparation. Priced at $85, this comprehensive online course provides a full review and understanding of New York’s Notary Public License Law and includes a thorough review of the notary law vocabulary that makes up 40 percent of the exam.
What you get:
- A practice exam with a 120-question bank that generates multiple 40-question
exams mimicking the actual New York testing experience - Results that highlight the specific sections of the course you should review
before retaking the practice exam - Digital flash cards to help you memorize the notary law vocabulary
- A Day of Exam study aid for last-minute preparation
- Important links and resources for every stage of the application process
- The legal dos and don’ts of professional standards
The NNA course is self-paced, accessible from any desktop or laptop, and optimized for a smooth learning experience. You can work through the modules at your own speed, revisit sections as needed, and take as many practice exams as you like. Many first-time test-takers tell me the practice exams alone were enough to give them the confidence to pass on their first attempt. The adaptive feedback system is particularly valuable because it tells you exactly which areas need more attention before you walk into the testing center.
Pros: Most comprehensive option available, excellent practice exam simulator, includes vocabulary flash cards and study aids, backed by the largest notary association in the country with decades of experience. Cons: At $85, it is the priciest standalone course option on the market.
- NNA New York Notary Primer (Print Handbook)
For those who prefer a physical study guide, the NNA publishes the New York Notary Primer, a complete handbook that explains New York notary laws and general notary practices in easy-to-understand terms. This is an excellent companion to any online course or as a standalone study resource for self-motivated learners who learn better from printed material.
The Primer breaks down complex legal language into plain English explanations, making it accessible even to those with no legal background. It covers every notarial act a New York notary may perform, the proper certificate wording for each act, identification requirements, and record-keeping obligations. Many notaries keep a copy on their desk as a quick reference throughout their commission, long after the exam is behind them.
Pros: Tangible reference you can annotate and keep on your desk, written in plain language, covers all notarial acts and state requirements, doubles as a post-commission reference tool. Cons: No interactive practice exams or flash cards, so it works best paired with another resource that offers active recall.
- NNA Notary Quick-Start Training
This 20-minute interactive online course is designed to keep your notary knowledge sharp. It includes a downloadable guide on the five steps of proper notarization and is a great brush-up tool if you have already studied the License Law and need a concise refresher before exam day.
The Quick-Start course covers the fundamental workflow of any notarial act: verify identity, ensure willingness and awareness, complete the certificate, apply the seal, and record the entry in your journal. While brief, it provides a clear mental framework that helps you approach exam questions with a structured understanding of the notarial process.
Pros: Quick and focused, downloadable reference guide you can review in minutes, ideal for a final review before test day. Cons: Best used as a supplement rather than primary study material, does not cover the full depth of the License Law.
- NNA Notary Essentials
This interactive course walks you through real-life scenarios you are likely to encounter as a Notary Public in New York. It is an excellent resource for learning how to perform mistake-free notarizations and understanding the practical application of the law beyond the exam itself.
Rather than presenting dry legal text, the Notary Essentials course places you in simulated situations: a signer arrives with an expired ID, a document is missing a signature line, a signer appears confused about what they are signing. These scenario-based lessons build the judgment and decision-making skills that separate competent notaries from exceptional ones.
Pros: Scenario-based learning that builds practical judgment, helps you prepare for actual notarial work, reinforces exam concepts through real-world application. Cons: More of a professional development course than an exam prep tool, best taken after you have already studied the core material.
- The Official Notary Public License Law (Free)
The most essential study resource is the Notary Public License Law itself, published by the New York Department of State. It is available for free as a PDF download at dos.ny.gov. Every single question on the exam is derived from this document, so a thorough reading of it is non-negotiable regardless of which course you choose.
The License Law covers eligibility requirements, duties and responsibilities, permissible and prohibited acts, journal keeping requirements, seal requirements, and the consequences of failing to comply with the law. Read it cover to cover, highlight key definitions and procedures, and pay special attention to the sections on vocabulary and terminology. Many successful candidates read the law three or four times before they feel confident enough to take the exam.
Pros: Completely free, the actual source material for the exam, always up to date with the latest legislative changes. Cons: Dense legal language that can be difficult to parse for those without a legal background, no practice questions or interactive elements to test your understanding.
- NNA Remote Online Notary Training (RON)
While not directly related to passing the initial exam, this 2-hour course ($35) is invaluable for anyone planning to pursue remote online notarization, which has been available in New York since January 31, 2023. It covers how remote notarizations work, the technology tools needed, step-by-step walkthroughs, and how to complete electronic certificates and apply electronic seals.
If you are serious about building a notary business, RON training is one of the best investments you can make. Remote online notarization allows you to serve clients from anywhere in the state without requiring an in-person meeting. The fee schedule for RON acts in New York is $25 per notarial act, compared to just $2 for traditional in-person acts, which means RON commissioned notaries have significantly higher earning potential.
Pros: Practical training for the modern notary, relatively affordable at $35, covers the step-by-step workflow of a remote notarization from start to finish. Cons: Does not satisfy state training requirements, focuses on post-commission work rather than exam preparation, requires you to already hold a valid NY notary commission to perform RONs.
How to Choose the Right Course for You
If you want the most thorough preparation available and are willing to invest in your success, the NNA Prepare for and Pass the New York Notary Exam course at $85 is the clear choice. The practice exam simulator, flash cards, and Day of Exam study aid give you everything you need to walk into the testing center feeling confident. For many applicants, this single course is all they need.
If you are on a tight budget, you can absolutely pass the exam using only the free Notary Public License Law PDF from the Department of State combined with disciplined self-study. Many notaries have done exactly that. Read the law cover to cover, highlight key definitions and procedures, and create your own flash cards for the vocabulary section. Set aside at least two to three weeks of consistent study time, dedicating 30 to 60 minutes each day to reading and reviewing.
For the best of both worlds, pair the NNA course with the free License Law PDF. Use the course for structured learning and practice, and use the PDF as your authoritative reference to double-check any concepts that feel unclear. This combination gives you the benefits of interactive practice alongside direct engagement with the actual statute.
Common Mistakes Test-Takers Make
The most common reason applicants fail the NYS notary exam seems to be underestimating the vocabulary section. Approximately 40 percent of the questions test your knowledge of notary-specific terminology, and many applicants spend all their study time on the procedural sections while neglecting the definitions. Make sure you can define terms such as acknowledgment, jurat, affidavit, deposition, notarial certificate, and credential analysis without hesitation.
Another mistake is failing to read the License Law in its entirety. Some applicants rely solely on summaries or third-party materials and miss nuances that appear on the exam. The test draws questions directly from the statute, so anything in the law is fair game. Read every section, even the ones that seem minor or unlikely to appear on the test.
Finally, notary law vocabulary requires repetition and spaced practice to commit to memory. A consistent daily routine of even 30 minutes is far more effective than a single marathon study session.
Exam Day Tips
Arrive early at the testing center with your photo ID, two number 2 pencils, and the $15 fee. Leave your phone, notes, and any reference materials in your car or in the waiting area. The exam is closed-book and proctored, and proctors are strict about what you may bring into the testing room.
Read each question carefully before selecting an answer. Many exam questions are designed to test whether you truly understand the material or simply recognize keywords. Questions may include subtle qualifiers such as except, always, or never that completely change the meaning. If a question seems tricky, eliminate the obviously wrong answers first and then choose from the remaining options.
Manage your time wisely. You have one hour for the exam, which is generous for the typical number of questions. Pace yourself, and use any remaining time to review your answers. Do not spend more than a minute or two on any single question. If you get stuck, mark it, move on, and come back if time permits.
After Passing the Exam
Congratulations on passing! The next steps are straightforward but important. You will receive your test pass slip in the mail, which you must submit with your application. Complete your notarized Oath of Office form by taking it to a current NY Notary who will witness your signature and administer the oath. Create an NY Business Express account, and submit your $60 application fee along with your exam pass slip and notarized oath form. Processing typically takes 3 to 5 business days according to the Division of Licensing Services, though some applicants report slightly longer turnaround times during peak seasons.
Once commissioned, your term is four years. You will need to purchase a notary journal, which is required by the state. (If you are only going to work as a Remote Online Notary, your journal will be elecontronic.) While a stamp is not legally required in New York, using one is considered an industry best practice and helps convey professionalism to your clients. Consider adding errors and omissions insurance to protect yourself from legal liability. E&O insurance policies start at relatively affordable rates and provide peace of mind in the rare event that your notarial act is called into question.
Additional Considerations for Aspiring Notaries
It is worth noting that the total cost to become a Notary in New York ranges between $107 and $132, depending on where you purchase your notary journal. Here is the full cost breakdown:
- Exam fee: $15
- Oath form notarization: $2
- Application fee: $60
- Notary journal: $30 to $55
If you choose to invest in exam preparation, add the NNA course fee of $85 to that total. The optional E&O insurance and stamp will add additional cost, but these are investments in your professional practice rather than upfront requirements.
When your commission is active, you may charge a maximum fee of $2 for most traditional notarial acts and $25 for remote online notarizations. For notaries who perform a steady volume of acts, the return on your exam preparation investment comes quickly.
Eligibility Reminders
Before you begin studying, make sure you meet the basic eligibility requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a person of good moral character
- Reside within the state or maintain a business office in New York
- Have the equivalent of a common school education
- Not be convicted of a crime unless the Secretary of State finds that the
crime committed does not bar you from commission
Note that sheriffs cannot be Notaries because they are barred from holding another public office. If you live in another state but work in New York, you may still become a New York Notary as long as you have an office or place of business in the state. The Secretary of State retains discretion to evaluate criminal history on a case-by-case basis, so a past conviction does not necessarily disqualify you.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a Notary Public in New York is an attainable goal for anyone willing to put in the study time. The exam is not overly difficult, but it does demand a solid understanding of the Notary Public License Law. Invest in a quality prep course if your budget allows, take full advantage of the free resources available, and approach your study time with discipline and focus.
The notary profession offers more than just a commission. It is a position of public trust, and the preparation you put in now will serve you well throughout your four-year term and beyond. Once you are commissioned, the world of remote online notarization opens additional doors for earning and serving clients from anywhere within the state. The ability to perform RONs at a fee of $25 per act transforms notary work from a hobby into a viable side income or even a full-time career for those who are willing to build a clientele.
Good luck!
Disclaimer: This blog post is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Notary laws, exam requirements, and fees are subject to change by the New York Department of State. Always consult the official dos.ny.gov website for the most current information before making decisions about your notary application or exam preparation. The author is a commissioned NYS Remote Online Notary and shares personal experience and opinions, which may not apply to every applicant’s situation.