

An individual who is currently a member of the New York State Bar or a court clerk of the Unified Court System, appointed to that position after taking a Civil Service promotional examination in the court clerk series of titles, while not exempt from the application fee, may be appointed a notary public without an examination. Examinations are regularly scheduled throughout the state. In addition to the application form and fee, the applicant must submit a "pass slip" showing that he or she has taken and passed the notary public examination.


The application includes an oath of office, which must be sworn and notarized. An applicant for a notary public commission must submit to the Secretary’s Division of Licensing Services an original application and $60 fee. Notaries Public are "commissioned" (i.e., licensed) by the Secretary of State of New York State. Certificates of Official Character are issued for a fee of $ 10.00 cash. Commissions of notaries who have qualified in New York County are renewed by submission of an application to the County Clerk of New York County (see below). In addition, this Section will authenticate notary signatures for notaries who have qualified in New York County or the signatures of public officials on documents, each for a fee of $ 3.00 cash. Each applicant must present a valid photo ID. to 5:00 P.M.), which provides free notarial services for persons executing documents. The New York County Clerk operates a Notary Section (located in Room 141B in the basement at 60 Centre Street, hours 9:00 A.M.
