Notary Public in New York
Browse 366 cities in New York to find a notary public near you.
New York notaries are appointed by the Secretary of State and serve a 4-year commission. New York City's dense population and highly active legal, financial, and real estate sectors make it one of the highest-demand markets for notary services in the country, with many notaries specializing in business document signings and international document authentication. The fee cap is a modest $2 per person. New York's remote online notarization framework has had an unsettled rollout — status has shifted and coverage varies, so confirm current availability directly with a notary or the Secretary of State's office rather than assuming a video-call option is (or isn't) available. New York requires training and a state exam, but no bond, to become a notary.
Is this notary really commissioned?
Anyone can claim to be a notary. Before you rely on one for an important document, it costs nothing to check that their commission is real, active, and hasn't expired.
New York notaries are commissioned by the New York Department of State — Division of Licensing Services, which provides a free public commission lookup.
Verify a New Yorknotary's commission →What you can legally be charged
As of July 2026, New York law caps the fee a notary can charge for a standard notarial act at $2 per person notarized. A notary who charges more than the legal maximum for a standard act is breaking the law — you're entitled to ask what they charge before they begin.
What to expect
- Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID — the notary can't proceed without one.
- Your notary is required to record the transaction in a journal — expect to sign it and provide some basic details.
- Every document is marked with the notary's official stamp or seal, confirming the notarization is complete.
For aspiring notaries
Becoming a notary in New York
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Commission term | 4 years |
| Surety bond | Not required |
| Training course | Required |
| State exam | Required |
Total cost to become a notary in New York typically runs $107–$132, covering the application, training, and supplies.
Full guide to becoming a notary →Sourced from the National Notary Association, verified July 2026. Confirm current requirements with the New York Department of State — Division of Licensing Services.