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 within 90 days before your commission expires (19 NYCRR 182.10(c)).

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	Within 90 days before expiration
New term start	Shown on your new ID card
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 90 days before it expires.

Complete the renewal application

Renew online through NY Business Express (linked from the DOS "Renew or update your notary public license" page). Include a newly sworn Oath of Office (form DOS-2201), which reappointment requires (Executive Law §131(7)).

Pay the $60 renewal fee

Pay the non-refundable $60 renewal fee when you submit your application.

Submit your application online

Submit your completed application, oath and payment through NY Business Express. The Secretary of State sends your new commission, oath and signature to your county clerk.

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 = no authority to notarize

You have no authority to notarize after your commission expires, and those notarizations can be challenged as invalid. If you have been notarizing with an expired commission, stop immediately.

Expired less than 6 months ago: Contact the DOS directly - you may be able to renew without retaking the exam, depending on circumstances.

Expired more than 6 months 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 5 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
Moving counties? Filing a certificate of official character there is optional
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 6 months must take the exam (Executive Law §130).

Yes. You can submit your renewal application within 90 days before your commission expires (19 NYCRR 182.10(c)).

You cannot perform notarizations after your commission expires. Notarial acts performed after expiration can be challenged as 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 5 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