NYS NOTARY EXAM STUDY GUIDE
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS WITH
COMPLETE SOLUTIONS 100%
CORRECT RATED A+ NEWLY
UPDATED 2026
NYS Notary Public Commissioning Authority
By whose executive authority is a New York State Notary Public officially
commissioned?
✔✔ Answer: The Secretary of State.
Application Submission Process
To which specific regulatory division must an applicant submit their finalized
paperwork to obtain their commission?
✔✔ Answer: The Division of Licensing Services (a specialized regulatory branch
operating under the New York Department of State).
Application Fees
What is the required state-mandated filing fee to submit a brand-new or
renewal application for a standard four-year notary commission?
✔✔ Answer: $60.00.
Oath of Office Requirements
What critical legal document must be completed, signed, and integrated
directly into the official New York State Notary Public application?
✔✔ Answer: A formal Oath of Office.
Legal Rationale: Before submitting the application, the candidate must physically
sign the Oath of Office in ink. This oath must be duly executed and notarized
before an active notary public or another public official who holds the legal
authority to administer oaths.
Proof of Examination
, What additional verification document must a first-time applicant upload
with their online application to prove they are legally qualified for
commission?
✔✔ Answer: An official examination "pass slip".
Legal Rationale: First-time applicants must sit for and pass the proctored, written
NYS Notary Public examination. Once they pass, the state mails them a physical
"pass slip" (or provides a digital equivalent), which must be scanned and uploaded
to their NY Business Express application portal to verify their qualification. (Note:
Licensed NYS attorneys and certain appointed Unified Court System clerks are
exempt from this exam requirement).
What must also be included in the application to become a notary public? -
ANSWER ✔✔A pass slip indicating they have taken and passed the exam.
How long is the term of commission as a notary public? -ANSWER ✔✔4 years
Where are notary publics commissioned? -ANSWER ✔✔In their counties of
residence.
Where can the public verify the official signature of a notary? -ANSWER ✔✔The
county clerk's office.
When is authentication of a notary's signature obtained? -ANSWER ✔✔When a
document will be used outside the State.
What should notaries do when they expect to sign documents regularly in counties
other than their residence? -ANSWER ✔✔File a certificate of official character
with other New York state county clerks.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS WITH
COMPLETE SOLUTIONS 100%
CORRECT RATED A+ NEWLY
UPDATED 2026
NYS Notary Public Commissioning Authority
By whose executive authority is a New York State Notary Public officially
commissioned?
✔✔ Answer: The Secretary of State.
Application Submission Process
To which specific regulatory division must an applicant submit their finalized
paperwork to obtain their commission?
✔✔ Answer: The Division of Licensing Services (a specialized regulatory branch
operating under the New York Department of State).
Application Fees
What is the required state-mandated filing fee to submit a brand-new or
renewal application for a standard four-year notary commission?
✔✔ Answer: $60.00.
Oath of Office Requirements
What critical legal document must be completed, signed, and integrated
directly into the official New York State Notary Public application?
✔✔ Answer: A formal Oath of Office.
Legal Rationale: Before submitting the application, the candidate must physically
sign the Oath of Office in ink. This oath must be duly executed and notarized
before an active notary public or another public official who holds the legal
authority to administer oaths.
Proof of Examination
, What additional verification document must a first-time applicant upload
with their online application to prove they are legally qualified for
commission?
✔✔ Answer: An official examination "pass slip".
Legal Rationale: First-time applicants must sit for and pass the proctored, written
NYS Notary Public examination. Once they pass, the state mails them a physical
"pass slip" (or provides a digital equivalent), which must be scanned and uploaded
to their NY Business Express application portal to verify their qualification. (Note:
Licensed NYS attorneys and certain appointed Unified Court System clerks are
exempt from this exam requirement).
What must also be included in the application to become a notary public? -
ANSWER ✔✔A pass slip indicating they have taken and passed the exam.
How long is the term of commission as a notary public? -ANSWER ✔✔4 years
Where are notary publics commissioned? -ANSWER ✔✔In their counties of
residence.
Where can the public verify the official signature of a notary? -ANSWER ✔✔The
county clerk's office.
When is authentication of a notary's signature obtained? -ANSWER ✔✔When a
document will be used outside the State.
What should notaries do when they expect to sign documents regularly in counties
other than their residence? -ANSWER ✔✔File a certificate of official character
with other New York state county clerks.
