Key Takeaways
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must be a resident of New York State OR have a place of business in NY
- Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien diligently seeking citizenship
- No specific education requirement exists for notary applicants
- Must pass the written examination (70% passing score)
Basic Qualifications
Becoming a New York notary public requires meeting specific qualifications established by New York Executive Law. Unlike some states, New York does not require mandatory education courses before taking the exam—but the exam itself is comprehensive.
Who Can Become a New York Notary?
Age Requirement
You must be at least 18 years of age at the time of appointment. There is no maximum age limit for becoming or remaining a notary public.
Residency or Business Requirement
You must meet ONE of the following:
| Option | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Resident | Reside in New York State |
| Business | Have a place of business in New York State |
Important Clarification: If you live in New Jersey or Connecticut but work in Manhattan, you CAN become a New York notary based on your place of business in New York.
Citizenship Requirement
This is where New York differs from some states:
| Status | Eligible? |
|---|---|
| U.S. Citizen | Yes |
| Permanent Resident Alien | Yes (if seeking citizenship) |
| Temporary Visa Holder | No |
| Undocumented | No |
Key Point: A permanent resident alien can become a notary, but the law specifies they must be "diligently seeking U.S. citizenship upon eligibility."
County of Commission
Your notary commission must be issued in:
- The county where you reside, OR
- The county where you have your place of business
Jurisdiction Note: Once commissioned, a New York notary may perform notarial acts anywhere in New York State, not just in the county of commission. However, the county of commission must be included on your official seal.
No Mandatory Education Requirement
Unlike California and several other states, New York does NOT require applicants to complete a notary education course before taking the exam.
However, you are strongly encouraged to study:
- The New York Notary Public License Law booklet
- The Notary Public Handbook
- Both available from the Department of State
Disqualifying Factors
Certain conditions may prevent appointment as a notary:
| Disqualifying Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Convicted felon | Generally disqualified |
| Removed from public office | Disqualified |
| Not meeting residency/citizenship | Disqualified |
| Failure to pay required fees | Application rejected |
Note: The Secretary of State has discretion in evaluating applications and may deny based on character concerns revealed through background investigation.
On the Exam
Expect 3-4 questions on basic qualifications. Key points frequently tested:
- Age requirement: 18 years old
- Residency: Must be NY resident OR have NY business
- Citizenship: U.S. citizen OR permanent resident seeking citizenship
- Education: NOT required in New York
- Jurisdiction: May notarize anywhere in NY State once commissioned
What is the minimum age to become a New York notary public?
Can a New Jersey resident become a New York notary?
Is a mandatory education course required before taking the NY notary exam?