If you live or work in New York and want to become a public notary, you start the process online and get all the tools you need at Nationwide Notary Bond Agency. You might wonder what the process entails and how you can get assistance studying for and passing the state exam. While these details are important, it’s equally important to understand what you’ll do as a public notary in New York State.

What Does a New York Public Notary Do?

A Notary Public is a public officer who can perform a number of services, including the following:

  • Administer oaths: This means that the Notary can ask a person to swear or affirm that the information they provide is true and accurate. For example, a Notary can administer an oath to a witness testifying in a court case or to a person applying for a passport or a loan.
  • Take acknowledgments: This means that the Notary can verify the identity of a person who signs a document and confirm that they did so willingly and knowingly. For example, a Notary can take an acknowledgment from someone who signs a deed of trust, a power of attorney, or a contract.
  • Witness signatures: This means that the Notary can observe a person signing a document and attest that they did so in the Notary’s presence. For example, a Notary can witness a signature on a will, a trust, or an insurance policy.
  • Perform other duties authorized by law: This means that the Notary can perform any other notarial acts allowed by the state where they are commissioned. For example, some states allow Notaries to perform marriages, certify copies of documents, or protest negotiable instruments.

How Do You Become a Notary in New York?

Although it may seem overwhelming initially, you’ll soon realize the opportunities that arise after you get your notary ID.  Here are the steps you need to follow:

  1. Meet the state’s eligibility requirements. To become a Notary in New York, you must meet the following criteria:
  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Reside in New York
  • Have an office or business in New York
  • Have no criminal convictions

2. Know the Notary Public License Law. Before you take the exam, you need to familiarize yourself with the laws and rules for New York notaries. You can find the Notary Public License Law online.

3. Review test center policies. The Notary Public Examination is held at authorized centers. You can find the exam schedule and test center policies online. To take the exam:

  • Register for the exam online.
  • Bring a valid photo ID.
  • Pay a $15 fee to the test center.
  • Provide thumbprints for identification purposes.

4. Pass the exam. The exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions that test your knowledge of the Notary Public License Law and related topics. You need to score at least 70% to pass the exam.

5. Complete the state application. After you pass the exam, you need to fill out the state application form and have it notarized by another Notary.

6. Submit your notarized application. You must mail your notarized application, a $60 application fee, and original pass slip to the Department of State within two years of passing the exam.

7. Buy your notary journal. New York law requires notaries to keep a journal. It should have numbered pages and entries and be tamper-resistant.

8. Receive your ID card. Once your application is approved, you will receive your official ID from the Department of State. It contains your name, commission number, expiration date, and county.

Nationwide Notary Bond Agency has courses that will prepare you for the state licensing exam and all the supplies you may need to grow your business. That includes your journal, optional stamp or embosser, and other supplies.

What Can You Do with a New York Public Notary Commission?

There are many options to grow your career as a public notary in New York. If you already have a job and want to take on more responsibility, getting your notary commission can make you more attractive to employers within and outside your current organization. If you want to advance at your job in the insurance or real estate fields, getting a public notary commission can decrease your reliance on other professionals. It can also make you valuable to corporate executives, legal firms, and potential employers.

Take the Notary Test Online

For maximum convenience, you may want to take the notary test online. This can save you the hassle of finding and traveling to an authorized test center. Testing online gives you the advantage of testing from home, free of distractions in the workplace or center.

Start Your Journey Today

Educating yourself about the New York state laws and requirements for public notaries is an excellent start to beginning your career. After obtaining your ID card, you can set up shop from home, in an office, or with local businesses that use notary publics frequently.

Is the New York Notary Exam Mandatory?

Unless you are an attorney or clerk of courts, you must take the state exam to become an authorized notary in New York.

At Nationwide Notary Bond Agency, we provide online training courses that help you prepare for the New York state exams and offer all the products you’ll need to get started. Although having a stamp isn’t a prerequisite for becoming a public notary, you’ll need one to witness and authorize documents.

New assistance navigating the process? Contact the knowledgeable team at Nationwide Notary Bond Agency for more information on how to become a notary, renew your commission, and obtain the training and supplies needed to perform your job.