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New York notary exam: study from the official handbook
The state publishes a free official handbook, and it is the best place to start. Download it first: Notary Public License Law, NYS Department of State, Division of Licensing Services (edition dated January 2023).
Nothing here is legal advice. We summarize the official handbook and cite the page. Laws and fees change, and the official handbook and the state's current instructions control. We make no claims about exam content, format or pass rates. Check exam scheduling, format and fees with the state.
What to know first
- Applicants send an original application and a $60 fee to the Division of Licensing Services, plus a pass slip showing they passed the exam (NY p. 2).
- New York-admitted attorneys may be appointed without the exam (NY p. 2).
- The exam fee is $15 per exam, paid on exam day (19 NYCRR 182.11(d), NY p. 18).
- A commission lasts 4 years (Executive Law §130, NY pp. 2, 5).
Key numbers (with handbook citations)
Section and page in the edition named above.
| Number | What it is | Cite |
|---|---|---|
| $60 | Application fee (also renewal; e-notary registration) | 182.11; p. 18 |
| $15 | Each written exam | 182.11(d); p. 18 |
| 4 years | Commission term | §130; pp. 2, 5 |
| $10 | Duplicate ID card / change or duplicate request | §131(13), 182.11(e); pp. 6, 18 |
| 5 days | Notify change of name, address, e-mail | 182.3(a)(8); p. 16 |
| $2 | Oath/affirmation; each person acknowledging; swearing a witness | §136; p. 10 |
| 75¢ + 10¢ | Protest + each notice (max five) | §135; p. 8 |
| $25 | Each electronic notarial act | 182.11(g); p. 18 |
| $1,000 | Max civil penalty, §135-b advertising | §135-b(5); p. 8 |
| 3rd | Advertising violation that may bring removal | §135-b(5); p. 8 |
| 10 years | Keep e-notarization A/V recording | §135-c; p. 8 |
| 30 days | Notice before safe deposit box opening | Banking Law §335; p. 13 |
| 5 | Ways to identify an in-person signer | 182.5(b); p. 17 |
Optional: cited study guide (PDF)
Our New York Notary Public Exam Study Guide: 10 plain-English chapters with a citation after every fact, a key-numbers sheet, and 40 practice questions with an answer key that points to the section and page to reread. Practice questions are ours, not actual exam questions.
Disclosure: this guide is sold by Plan & Prosper Templates, the same publisher as Notary Where. The official handbook above is free and is all you strictly need.Sources
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