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NYC Notary Exam - Everything You Need to Know

The NY notary exam is held at a single NYC location in Lower Manhattan. Walk-in format, no appointment needed. Here is exactly what to expect.

Verify before you go

Hours and procedures change. Always confirm at dos.ny.gov/notary-public before traveling.

NYC Notary Exam Location

New York City (Manhattan)

123 William Street

New York, NY 10038

New York County (Manhattan) - The only NYC exam center for all five boroughs

Getting There

  • Subway: 2/3 to Fulton St (1 block)
  • Subway: A/C/J/Z/4/5 to Fulton St
  • Ferry: NYC Ferry Fulton Landing (nearby)
  • Parking: Nearby garages on Ann St and Maiden Ln
  • Phone: (518) 474-4429, Mon-Fri 8:45am-4:30pm

What to Bring to the NYC Notary Exam

Bring These

  • Government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport)
  • $15 exam fee (check, money order, or credit card)
  • Your completed application (if pre-filing online)
  • Nothing else - the exam room is sparse

Do NOT Bring

  • -Study materials or notes (not allowed in exam room)
  • -Phones or electronic devices (must be put away)
  • -Large bags (may need to be stored outside)
  • -Food or drinks

The NYC Notary Exam - Step by Step

1

Arrive during walk-in exam hours

No appointment needed. Walk in during the posted exam hours. Arrive at least 15 minutes early. Hours can vary so verify before you go.

2

Check in at the front desk

Present your photo ID and pay the $15 exam fee. You will receive the exam booklet and answer sheet.

3

Complete the 40-question multiple choice exam

The exam covers License Law (60%), General Terms (25%), and Duties and Functions (15%). There is no strict time limit for most candidates.

4

Submit your exam and wait for mailing

Your answers are mailed to Albany for scoring. Results are mailed back in approximately 10 days. No scores are given on site.

5

Receive your results by mail

You will receive a pass or fail letter. If you pass, you can then submit your full application and $60 fee to complete the licensing process.

NYC Notary Exam - Key Facts

$15

Exam Fee

40

Questions

70%

Passing Score

~10 days

Results Time

How to Study for the NYC Notary Exam

The NY notary exam is the same regardless of where you take it. Use these resources to prepare:

Free Study Guide

Complete breakdown of all three exam topics with exam traps called out

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Practice Exam

40-question practice exam with instant scoring and explanations

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Exam Guide

Key facts list, what to expect, and test-day tips

Start studying

Frequently Asked Questions

The NYC notary exam is held at 123 William Street, 2nd Floor in Lower Manhattan (New York County). This is the primary exam center for all five boroughs, though you may also take the exam at any other state exam center.
The location is accessible via multiple subway lines. The 2/3 trains stop at Fulton St (one block away). The A/C/J/Z/4/5 trains also stop at Fulton St. The building is near Fulton Center and the World Trade Center area.
Hours vary and change periodically. Always verify current walk-in hours directly with the NYC DOS office at 123 William St, 2nd Floor or by calling the NY Department of State before traveling.
There is only one official NYC exam center at 123 William St, 2nd Floor. However, you are not required to take the exam in NYC - you can take it at any of the 10 state exam centers regardless of where you live.
No appointment is needed. The exam is walk-in format. Arrive during exam hours with your photo ID and the $15 exam fee. Seats are typically available, but busier periods may have longer waits.
The exam itself is 40 multiple-choice questions with no official time limit, though most people finish in 30-45 minutes. Budget about an hour total for check-in, exam, and any processing.

Ready to Pass the NYC Notary Exam?

Take our free practice exam and see where you stand. Most people who score above 85% on our practice exam pass the real thing.

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