Last updated: April 2, 2026. Based on New York Department of State Notary Public Law and Executive Law §135.
New York Notary Fees at a Glance (2026)
New York sets some of the lowest maximum notary fees in the nation. Under state law, a notary public may charge:
| Notarial Act | Maximum Fee |
|---|---|
| Taking an acknowledgment | $2.00 per person |
| Administering an oath or affirmation | $2.00 |
| Taking a jurat | $2.00 |
| Taking a proof of execution | $2.00 |
| Certifying a copy (true copy) | $2.00 |
| Swearing a witness | $2.00 |
| Remote/electronic notarization | $25.00 per act |
These limits have not changed in decades. A bill (A3360) was introduced in the 2025-2026 legislative session to raise fees, but as of April 2026, the $2.00 cap remains in effect.
The $2 Fee Is Per Person, Not Per Document
This is the most-tested concept on the NY notary exam and the most misunderstood fee rule:
| Scenario | Maximum Fee |
|---|---|
| One person acknowledges one document | $2.00 |
| One person acknowledges five documents | $2.00 |
| Three people acknowledge one document | $6.00 ($2 each) |
| Two people each sign two documents (jurats) | $4.00 ($2 each person) |
Key rule: For acknowledgments, the fee is charged per person regardless of how many documents that person signs in a single notarial act.
Remote and Electronic Notarization Fees
New York permits Electronic Notaries to charge up to $25.00 per electronic notarial act. This is significantly higher than the traditional fee:
- The $25 fee applies per notarial act, even if multiple acts occur in one session
- A certificate of authenticity for an electronically notarized document is a separate notarial act subject to the $2.00 fee
- The notary must include a statement in the jurat that the act involved communication technology
Travel Fees: What Notaries Can and Cannot Charge
New York law does not authorize a separate travel fee for traditional in-person notarization. The $2.00 cap is the total maximum for the notarial act itself.
In practice, some notaries (especially mobile notaries) charge separately for travel, but this is a separate service charge — not a notarial fee. The notarial fee portion must still not exceed $2.00.
For remote online notarization (RON), the $25.00 fee already accounts for the technology and convenience factor.
Overcharging Is Misconduct
New York takes notary fee violations seriously:
- Charging more than the maximum fee is classified as official misconduct
- Consequences can include removal from office by the Secretary of State
- The notary may also face civil liability (the overcharged party can sue for recovery)
- A pattern of overcharging can result in denial of commission renewal
The Department of State explicitly states: "Unless otherwise authorized by law, a notarial fee may not exceed this amount."
NY Notary Application and Commission Fees
Beyond fees for notarial acts, New York charges fees for the notary commission itself:
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial application fee | $60.00 |
| Renewal application fee | $60.00 |
| Change of name/address | $10.00 (waived for marriage-related name changes) |
| Official Character Card (county) | $5.00 |
| Registration in additional county | $10.00 |
The $60 application fee covers both the exam (if required) and the commission. Commission terms last 4 years.
Who Is Exempt from the NY Notary Exam?
Not everyone needs to take the notary exam:
- Attorneys admitted to the New York State Bar are exempt
- Court clerks in the Unified Court System who passed a civil service promotional exam are exempt
Both groups must still pay the $60 application fee and meet all other eligibility requirements.
Fee Rules That Appear on the NY Notary Exam
The notary exam typically includes 2-4 questions about fees. Key exam topics:
- Maximum fee amount ($2.00 per notarial act)
- Per-person calculation for acknowledgments
- What happens if a notary overcharges (misconduct, potential removal)
- Remote notarization fee ($25.00)
- Whether notaries must charge (they may choose to notarize for free)
What Notaries Cannot Charge For
New York notaries may not charge for:
- Services that are not notarial acts
- Fees above the statutory maximum
- A notary who is also an attorney should not charge a separate notary fee for legal clients — the notarial service is part of the legal representation
How NY Notary Fees Compare Nationally
New York's $2.00 fee is among the lowest in the country:
| State | Acknowledgment Fee |
|---|---|
| New York | $2.00 |
| Georgia | $2.00 |
| New Jersey | $2.50-$25.00 (varies by act type) |
| California | $15.00 |
| Florida | $10.00 |
| Texas | $10.00 (first signature) |
| North Carolina | $10.00 |
| National average | ~$7.50 |
Only Georgia matches New York's $2.00 cap. Most states set fees between $5 and $15.
Common Questions About NY Notary Fees
Can a bank charge me a notary fee? Many banks offer free notary services to customers. The bank's notary may choose to waive the fee, but if they charge, it cannot exceed $2.00.
Can a notary charge a convenience fee? No. The law caps the notarial fee at $2.00. Any additional charges must be for separate services (like travel), not for the notarial act itself.
What if I was overcharged? You can file a complaint with the New York Department of State, Division of Licensing Services. The notary may face disciplinary action.
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