Sourced from the official booklet. We base everything on the Department of State's Notary Public License Law (September 2026 edition). Rules and fees can change, so confirm with the NY Department of State before you act.
Exam at a glance
| Format | Multiple choice |
|---|---|
| Time | 1 hour, starting after the instructions |
| Fee | $15 per attempt, paid at the exam by check, money order, Visa or MasterCard (no cash, non-refundable) |
| Results | Pass or fail only, sent by mail. No numerical score. |
| Results valid | 2 years |
| Languages | English, Spanish, Haitian-Creole, Italian, Korean, Russian and Chinese (tell the proctor on arrival) |
| Content | License law, general terms, and the duties and functions of a notary from the Notary Public License Law booklet |
| Who skips it | NY-admitted attorneys and certain Unified Court System clerks |
Number of questions and pass mark: DOS does not publish them. Prep providers widely report 40 questions and 70%, so we train to that.
What to bring
- A current, government-issued photo ID with your signature: a driver license, non-driver ID, U.S. or foreign passport, military ID, IDNYC, an employment authorization card, or another ID from the DOS list.
- The $15 fee (check or money order payable to the Department of State, or a Visa or MasterCard).
- Two #2 pencils. None are provided.
Phones must be off. No books, notes, food or large bags are allowed, and there is nowhere to store them. In New York City you must schedule by e-mail first. See exam dates and scheduling.
What's tested
| Topic | Questions in our bank |
|---|---|
| Appointment & eligibility | 14 |
| Powers & prohibited acts | 15 |
| Acknowledgments, oaths & affidavits | 17 |
| Identifying signers | 8 |
| Conflicts of interest | 6 |
| Signature, stamp & records | 11 |
| Fees | 10 |
| Changes, renewal & misconduct | 13 |
| Electronic notarization | 9 |
| Legal terms | 15 |
A 7-day study plan
- Day 1: Read the official booklet once, start to finish. Don't try to memorize yet.
- Day 2: Learn the numbers: the cheat sheet has every fee and deadline.
- Day 3: Learn the acts: jurat vs acknowledgment, oaths and proofs.
- Day 4: Learn identity and conflicts: ID rules and when to refuse.
- Day 5: Learn the terms with the flashcards. The exam includes legal definitions.
- Day 6: Answer a long practice set in one sitting, about an hour, and review every miss.
- Day 7: Do a smart review of your weak topics, then one more long set. Aim for 85% or better.
The traps people fall into
- Thinking a seal is required. It isn't in New York.
- Using the old 30-day rule for address changes. It's now 5 days.
- Assuming record-keeping is optional. All notaries must keep records for 10 years.
- Mixing up $2 (paper acts) and $25 (electronic acts).
- Thinking a notary can officiate a wedding. Not in NY.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the New York notary exam?
You get 1 hour, which starts after the instructions are read.
How much does the NY notary exam cost?
$15 per attempt. After you pass, the commission application fee is $60.
What is the passing score for the NY notary exam?
DOS reports results only as pass or fail and does not publish a passing score. Prep providers commonly cite 70% (28 of 40).
Can I take the New York notary exam in Spanish?
Yes. It is offered in Spanish, Haitian-Creole, Italian, Korean, Russian and Chinese. Tell the proctor when you arrive.
How long are NY notary exam results valid?
Two years.
What happens if I fail?
You get a fail notice by mail and can retake the exam on another date by paying the $15 fee again.