How to become a Notary Public in New York

A Notary Public is a Public officer authorized to administer oaths, to attest to and certify certain types of documents, to take Depositions, and to perform certain acts in commercial matters. The seal of a notary public authenticates a document.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Notary Public Application
• Notary Public License Law
• Notary Seal
• Notary Stamp

1. 
    

   To become a Notary Public you must be at least 18 years old and a resident of the State of New York.

2. Obtain the application for a Notary Public Commission. You can obtain an application by emailing the Division of Licensing Services at [e-mail], they will send you the application along with the instruction packet. Once you receive the instruction packet review the Notary Public License Law booklet(law, general terms and information related to the duties and functions of a notary public are outlined in the Notary Public License Law booklet). You can also read the Notary Public License Law at www.dos.state.ny.us/lcns/notary1.htm

3. 
    

   Once you have reviewed the Notary Public License Law throughly its time to take the exam. This is a Walk-In Examination. On the day of the exam you must bring a form of government issued signature identification (photo-bearing i.e. driver's license). You must also bring a $15 examination fee. You may pay by check or money order payable to the Department of State or charge the fee to a MasterCard or Visa. Cash will not be accepted. Examination fees are nonrefunable. A $20 fee will be charged for any returned check.

4. 
    

   You must correctly answer at least 70 percent of the questions to pass the exam. However, all exams results are reported as either passed or failed. You will be notified by mailed if you have passed or failed the exam.
   
   If you pass the exam you must take the original notice that you received in the mail and submit it with your application form, license fee,etc. (See application for further details)
   
   If you fail the exam, you will receive a notice in the mail. You may retake the exam on another date an time.

5. 
    

   Once you have been appointed you will receive an identification card within four to six weeks of the date that the Division of Licensing Services receives your application.

6. 
    

   Purchase your Notary seal and personalized stamp.

Tips & Warnings

• Create business cards.
• A Notary Public may charge a fee of $2.00 for administering an oath or affirmation. A Notary may not exceed this amount.

Resources

• www.dos.state.ny.us/lcns/notary1.htm

[Kilogramm]

on 10/16/2008 This is very useful info! Will be savin this to my favs!

[drenee]

on 10/14/2008 Passing this on to my cousin who just opened a small business in NY, good info