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.
The five accepted methods (in person)
- A government ID (front and back) that is valid and current, with a photo, an accurate physical description if applicable, and a signature.
- Two current documents issued by an institution, business, or federal or state government, each with at least the person's signature.
- Personal knowledge: you attest that you personally know the individual.
- One witness personally known to both you and the signer, under oath or affirmation.
- Two witnesses who personally know the signer and present qualifying government ID, under oath or affirmation.
Common traps
- Expired ID doesn't meet the government-ID standard, so use another method.
- Name mismatch: you must be satisfied the signer is the person described in the document.
- Representative capacity: refuse if the record doesn't show the authority to sign for a company.
Practise with ID Inspector: try one free case.