Quick Facts
Commission Term
4 years
Bond
Not required
Application Fee
$60
Issuing Authority
New York Secretary of State
Journal
Required
Fee Caps
Yes
What makes New York distinctive
- New York permits remote online notarization (RON), joining 29 other states that allow notarization over live video.
- New York's $60 application fee is well above the national median of $30.
- New York does not require a notary bond, unlike the 28 states that do.
Authorized Services
Core Services
Free TierAdvanced Services
Pro TierIdentity Verification Methods
- Personal Knowledge
- Government-Issued ID
- Credible Witness
Remote Online Notarization (RON)
RON Available
New York authorizes remote online notarization. Additional requirements may apply.
Key Considerations
- New York has LOWEST notary fees in United States ($2 per act, unchanged since 1991)
- Journal MANDATORY for ALL notaries since Jan 25, 2023 (Governor vetoed rollback in Nov 2024)
- RON authorized since January 31, 2023 - relatively recent
- Seal/stamp NOT required but industry standard - can print information instead
- NO authority to certify copies (major difference from other states)
Regulatory Authority
New York Secretary of State - Division of Licensing Services
Visit official websiteStatutory Authority
Primary sources backing this guide. Refer to your state's current statutes for the authoritative text.
NY Exec Law Article 6
Department of State - Notaries Public
Primary statutory authority for NY notaries
NY Exec Law § 130
Appointment of Notaries Public
Appointment requirements, term, qualifications
NY Exec Law § 135
Powers and Duties
Defines scope of authority: oaths, affirmations, acknowledgments, depositions
NY Exec Law § 135-a
Fraud in Office
Prohibits fraud/deceit in notarial practice (misdemeanor)
NY Exec Law § 135-c
Electronic Notarizations
Authorization for IPEN and RON, requirements, technology standards
NY Exec Law § 136
Fees
Fee schedule: $2 traditional, $25 electronic
NY Exec Law § 137
Statement as to Authority
Signature and certificate requirements
19 NYCRR 182
Regulations for Electronic Notarization
Secretary of State regulations for RON/IPEN, recordkeeping, technology standards
NY Dom Rel Law § 11
By Whom a Marriage Must be Solemnized
Lists authorized marriage officiants (notaries NOT included)
NY Penal Law § 255.05
Unlawful Solemnization
Misdemeanor for unauthorized marriage solemnization
Proposed S6268 (2025)
Notary Fee Increase
Proposed increase from $2 to $5 (not yet law)
Proposed S398 (2025)
Deed Theft Prevention
Proposed journal requirements for real property conveyances
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a notary commission valid in New York?
A New York notary public commission is valid for 4 years from the date of issue. Renewal requires reapplying through the New York Secretary of State - Division of Licensing Services before the term expires.
How much does it cost to apply to be a notary in New York?
New York charges $60 as the application fee to the New York Secretary of State - Division of Licensing Services. Additional costs may include the surety bond, official seal or stamp, and required journal.
Does New York require a notary bond?
No. New York does not require a surety bond as part of the notary commission. Errors and omissions (E&O) insurance is optional and may still be advisable for protection against personal liability.
Is a notary journal required in New York?
Yes. New York requires a notary journal for every official act. The journal is a permanent record subject to inspection by the New York Secretary of State - Division of Licensing Services and must be retained for the period specified in state law.
Is a notary seal or stamp required in New York?
New York does not strictly require a seal or stamp for every notarial act, though one is commonly used. Check current New York Secretary of State - Division of Licensing Services guidance for the latest authoritative requirements before notarizing.
Can New York notaries perform remote online notarizations?
Yes. New York authorizes remote online notarization (RON), allowing a notary to notarize documents over live video with an out-of-state signer. RON typically requires additional registration, an approved technology platform, and identity-proofing via knowledge-based authentication or credential analysis.
What identity verification methods can New York notaries use?
New York notaries may verify a signer's identity using the following methods: Personal Knowledge, Government-Issued ID, and Credible Witness. Each method has its own evidentiary weight — government-issued photo ID is the most common.
Does New York cap notary fees?
Yes. New York sets statutory maximum fees per notarial act. Charging more than the cap is a violation and may result in commission discipline. NY has lowest notary fees in nation: $2 per traditional notarial act (in effect since 1991), $25 per electronic notarial act (RON/IPEN)
Who regulates notaries in New York?
New York notaries are commissioned and regulated by the New York Secretary of State - Division of Licensing Services. Application, renewal, and disciplinary processes are administered through their official website.
Does New York authorize in-person electronic notarization (eNotarization)?
Yes. New York authorizes in-person electronic notarization, where the signer is physically present but the document and signature are electronic. This is distinct from remote online notarization (RON), which uses live video for an out-of-state signer.
What notarial acts can New York notaries perform?
New York notaries are authorized to perform 9 of the 14 canonical notarial acts tracked in this guide, including Acknowledgment, Jurat, Oath / Affirmation, and Affidavit. See the Authorized Services section above for the full list.
Ready to Become a Notary in New York?
Start your application through the New York Secretary of State - Division of Licensing Services.
Related Articles
Remote Online Notarization (RON): State Guide 2026
State-by-state breakdown of which jurisdictions permit RON, the technology requirements, and the additional registration steps for notaries who want to offer it.
Notary Fees by State Guide
Comprehensive comparison of statutory fee caps across all 50 states, including travel surcharges, electronic notarization premiums, and pro-bono guidance.
Notary Journal Requirements by State
When a journal is legally required versus advisory, what must be recorded, retention periods, and how to handle subpoenas of journal entries.
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