| The state of New York holds Notary Publics to a | | | | notary public license without taking the exam. |
| high standard beginning with required training and | | | | Exam prep courses can help prepare for the exam |
| examination. While the applicant does not have to be | | | | by explaining the information and providing practice |
| a resident of New York, the applicant must either | | | | exams with questions similar to those on the actual |
| hold a job in New York or own a business located | | | | exam. The courses are available online, in live |
| within that state. Applicants must be at least 18 | | | | seminars or in a one day class at the local college. |
| years old and either a U.S. citizen or able to show | | | | After passing the exam, the candidate submits the |
| resident alien status with a Green Card. | | | | "pass slip" from the exam along with the application |
| First time candidates are required to pass a state | | | | and fee to be commissioned as a Notary Public by |
| proctored exam. Notaries do not have to take the | | | | the Secretary of State. The application includes an |
| exam for renewals unless more than 180 days pass | | | | official oath of office which must be sworn and |
| beyond the renewal date. The proctored exam is | | | | notarized by a licensed notary public. With |
| only given at sites approved by the New York | | | | confirmation of the commission, a notary receives an |
| Department of State. An appointment is not | | | | identification card from the state validating the four |
| necessary as walk-ins are accepted until after the | | | | year term of that commission. |
| exam is underway. Once it begins, no one else is | | | | A New York Notary Public has the authority to |
| admitted for that testing. Any school that claims to | | | | administer oaths and affirmations, certify written |
| administer the state exam is misleading its students. | | | | documents such as deeds or powers of attorney |
| The exam questions are taken from the New York | | | | and take affidavits or depositions. The legally |
| Notary Public License Law booklet which is available | | | | acceptable fee for each notary act is two dollars. |
| from the New York Department of State. | | | | Much of the work for notaries is with property |
| Knowledge of all aspects of the notary license law, | | | | transactions, mortgages or legal documents. For that |
| legal terms and duties of the notary public are tested | | | | reason banks, real estate agencies, mortgage brokers |
| on this exam. Candidates have one hour to complete | | | | and law offices may arrange to work with an |
| this multiple choice exam. To maintain exam security | | | | independent notary or pay for one of their |
| at the testing site, candidates sign and are | | | | employees to be commissioned as a notary public. |
| fingerprinted. The score given is pass or fail, although | | | | Becoming a Notary Public in New York State requires |
| 70 is the minimum score to pass. An attorney who is | | | | demonstrated ability and integrity that is consistent |
| a member in good standing of the New York State | | | | with such a position of trust. |
| Bar or a court clerk in the state can apply for a | | | | |