New York notary public exam
What the exam covers, what it costs and how to book it, with free practice questions written from the official New York study booklet.
Take the free 20-question practice test
The exam at a glance
| Exam fee | $15 per attempt, paid on the exam day [source] |
|---|---|
| Exam format | Multiple choice, 1 hour after the instructions end [source] |
| Result | Pass or fail only; no numerical score is reported [source] |
| Exam languages | English, plus Spanish, Haitian-Creole, Italian, Korean, Russian and Chinese on request at check-in [source] |
| How to book | Email [email protected] with the subject "Schedule Notary Public Exam" [source] |
| What to bring | Current government photo ID with your signature and two #2 pencils [source] |
| Application fee | $60, non-refundable, sent with the "pass slip" after you pass [source] |
| Commission term | 4 years [source] |
| Who can apply | New York residents, or non-residents with an office or place of business in New York [source] |
| Who skips the exam | Attorneys admitted to practice in New York [source] |
Checked against the New York Department of State on 2026-10-29. Exam rules can change; confirm the details in your scheduling email.
What to study
The exam questions come from the Department of State booklet Notary Public License Law (September 2026). It is free. Our practice questions follow its sections:
- Appointment and qualifications
Who can become a notary, the application, the 4-year term, reappointment and who is disqualified.10 free of 21 - Powers, duties and fees
What a notary may do, the fees allowed, what goes under the signature, and advertising rules.10 free of 24 - Acknowledgments and proofs
Taking acknowledgments, proof by a subscribing witness, certificate forms and recording rules.10 free of 22 - Oaths, affirmations and affidavits
How to give a valid oath or affirmation, affidavits, jurats, depositions and venue.10 free of 13 - Prohibited acts and penalties
The practice of law, wills, overcharging, misconduct, forgery, false certificates and perjury.10 free of 18 - Identity, records and fees
Satisfactory evidence of identity, record keeping, renewals and the fees in 19 NYCRR Part 182.10 free of 13 - Electronic notarization
Registering for remote online notarization, communication technology, recordings and signatures.10 free of 15 - Legal terms
The definitions the booklet expects you to know, from administrator to venue.10 free of 10
Steps to become a New York notary
- Check you qualify: a New York resident, or someone with an office or place of business in New York.
- Book the exam by email with the Department of State and study the booklet.
- Pass the exam; you receive a pass slip.
- Send the application, the sworn oath of office, the pass slip and the $60 fee to the Division of Licensing Services.
- Your commission is filed with the county clerk where you live and lasts 4 years.
This page is a study aid, not legal advice.