How to Renew Your NY Notary Commission

NY notary commissions last 4 years. Renewal is straightforward - no exam required. Here is everything you need to know to renew on time and avoid a lapse.

Renewal Timeline

You can renew up to 6 months before your commission expires. Your new 4-year term starts from your current expiration date, not from when you submit.

NY Notary Renewal - Key Facts

Item	Details
Commission term	4 years from appointment date
Renewal fee	$60
Exam required for renewal	No - unless commission lapsed
Early renewal window	Up to 6 months before expiration
New term start	Begins on current expiration date
Name/address change fee	$10 per change
Duplicate ID card fee	$10

How to Renew Your NY Notary Commission

Check your expiration date

Your expiration date is printed on your notary ID card. Mark it in your calendar so you do not miss the renewal window. You can renew any time in the 6 months before it expires.

Complete the renewal application

The renewal form (Form DS-8586) is available on the NY Department of State website at dos.ny.gov. Complete all fields, including your current commission number and any changes to your name or address.

Pay the $60 renewal fee

Include a check or money order for $60 made payable to "Department of State." The fee is non-refundable. Do not send cash.

Mail your application to Albany

Send your completed application and payment to: NYS Department of State, Division of Licensing Services, 80 South Swan Street, Albany, NY 12231-0001.

Receive your new ID card

Processing takes 3-5 business days after online submission at businessexpress.ny.gov. You will receive a new notary ID card by mail. You can continue to perform notarizations with your existing commission while your renewal is pending, as long as it has not expired.

What If My Commission Already Expired?

Expired commission = invalid notarizations

Any notarial act performed after your commission expiration date is legally invalid. If you have been notarizing with an expired commission, stop immediately.

Expired less than 1 year ago: Contact the DOS directly - you may be able to renew without retaking the exam, depending on circumstances.

Expired more than 1 year ago: You will likely need to retake the notary exam ($15), pass, then reapply ($60).

Updating Your Name or Address

NY notary law requires you to notify the Secretary of State within 30 days of any change to your name or address. Failure to do so is a violation.

Name Change

File a name change form with the DOS
Pay $10 fee
Include legal documentation of the name change
New ID card will be issued

Address Change

File an address change form with the DOS
Pay $10 fee
If moving to a new county, re-file your certificate in the new county
County filing fee: $10

Frequently Asked Questions

A NY notary public commission is valid for 4 years from the date of appointment. Your expiration date is printed on your notary ID card.

The renewal fee is $60, the same as the original application fee. There are no separate exam fees for renewal - you do not need to retake the exam to renew.

No. If you renew your commission before it expires, you are not required to retake the notary exam. Only first-time applicants and those whose commission has lapsed for more than a year must take the exam.

Yes. You can submit your renewal application up to 6 months before your commission expires. Your new 4-year term will begin from the expiration date of your current commission, not from the date you renew.

You cannot perform notarizations after your commission expires. Any notarial act performed after expiration is invalid. If your commission has been expired for less than 6 months, you may still be able to renew without retaking the exam - contact the DOS.

You must notify the Secretary of State within 30 days of any address change. File a Change of Address form and pay the $10 fee. Failure to update your address is a violation of notary law.

Need to Retake the Exam?

If your commission has lapsed and you need to retake the exam, use our free study resources to prepare.

Free Study Guide Practice Exam