Is a notary bond required in New York?
New York is among the states that do not require a notary public to file a surety bond. The commissioning framework in Article 6 of the Executive Law and the Department of State’s licensing rules do not include a bonding step, so no bond amount, filing, or recording is part of a New York application.
Because there is no bond, the public-protection role that a bond serves in other states is handled differently in New York. Applicants must satisfy the Department of State that they are of good moral character and familiar with a notary’s duties, and most must pass a written examination. After appointment, the Secretary of State forwards the commission, the original oath of office, and the notary’s signature to the county clerk in the notary’s county of residence, who maintains a public record so signatures can be verified.
New York also caps notarial fees: a notary may charge $2.00 for administering an oath or affirmation or for taking an acknowledgment or proof of execution, unless another law authorizes a different amount.
How to become a notary in New York
- Confirm eligibility: be at least 18, and be a resident of New York State or maintain an office or place of business in the state.
- Register for and pass the New York State notary public written examination. Attorneys admitted in New York and qualifying Unified Court System court clerks are exempt from the exam.
- Submit a completed application to the Department of State with the required fees. Current fees are $60 for the initial application, $15 for the written exam, and $60 for renewal.
- Once approved, the Department of State issues an identification card showing the notary’s name, address, county, and commission term, and forwards the commission and oath to the county clerk.
Applications are non-refundable and may be paid by check, money order, or credit card authorization form. A person convicted of a felony (and certain disqualifying misdemeanors) generally cannot be appointed unless relief such as a pardon or certificate of good conduct has been granted.
Bond vs. E&O insurance in New York
Since New York requires no bond, the main optional protection a notary can buy is errors and omissions (E&O) insurance. E&O coverage is different in purpose from a surety bond: a bond pays a member of the public who is harmed and then seeks reimbursement from the notary, while E&O insurance defends and indemnifies the notary personally for covered mistakes made in good faith. E&O is never required in New York; it is a personal business decision.
Renewing your New York commission
A New York commission runs for four years. A notary may apply for reappointment through the county clerk before the term expires, and a person whose term has expired may apply for reappointment within six months. When reappointment is filed within these windows, the Department of State may waive certain qualifying requirements. Applicants who let the renewal windows lapse are generally treated as new applicants and may need to take the examination again. Because no bond exists, there is no bond to renew.
Remote online notarization in New York
New York authorizes electronic and remote notarization. A commissioned notary who wishes to perform remote (audio-video) notarizations must register that capability with the Department of State and comply with the state’s technology, identity-proofing, and recordkeeping requirements. Without proper authorization, every signer must appear in person. Consult the Department of State for the current electronic notary registration process and standards.
Non-resident notaries in New York
New York allows non-residents to hold a commission if they keep an office or place of business in the state. A resident notary who moves out of state keeps the commission only while maintaining a New York office; a non-resident who ceases to have a New York office vacates the commission. Non-resident appointees are deemed to appoint the Secretary of State as the person on whom process may be served on their behalf.
New York notary FAQs
Does New York require a notary surety bond?
No. New York does not impose a surety bond requirement for notaries public. The state relies on the written examination, application review, and county clerk recordkeeping instead of a bond.
How long is a New York notary commission?
Under Executive Law Section 130, a New York notary public is appointed for a term of four years.
Do I have to pass an exam to become a New York notary?
Yes, most applicants must pass the New York State notary public written examination. Members of the New York State Bar and qualifying court clerks of the Unified Court System are exempt from the exam but not the fee.
Can a non-resident be a New York notary?
Yes. A person who is not a New York resident may be appointed if they maintain an office or place of business in New York State. A non-resident appointee designates the Secretary of State as agent for service of process.
Official sources
- Become a Notary Public — New York State Department of State
- Notary Public - Frequently Asked Questions — New York State Department of State
- N.Y. Executive Law Section 130 — Appointment of notaries public — New York State Legislature
State requirements can change. This page was reviewed on July 29, 2026. Always confirm current requirements with the New York State Department of State, Division of Licensing Services before relying on them.