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Last Updated:|Reflects current New York notary bond requirements
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New York Does NOT Require Notary Bonds

Unlike most states, NY notaries are not required to obtain a surety bond. The products below are optional protection for notaries who want extra security.

Optional Protection • E&O Insurance

New York NotaryOptional Bond & E&O

New York does not require notary bonds, but optional protection is available for NYC notaries handling high-value financial and real estate transactions.

Optional
Bond Not Required
70%
Exam Pass Rate
No bond required by NY law
Exam required - 40 questions, 70% to pass
4-year commission term
E&O insurance recommended for high-value work
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Quick Answer

New York does not require notary publics to obtain a surety bond. According to Executive Law §130, notaries need only take an oath of office. While bonds are optional, many notaries choose to purchase E&O insurance for personal protection.

What Are the New York Notary Requirements?

Commission Requirements

  • Must be 18 years or older
  • NY resident or NY business address
  • Pass written exam (70%+)
  • $60 application fee

Exam Details

  • 40 questions, 1 hour time limit
  • 70% passing score (28 correct)
  • Results valid 2 years
  • Attorneys & court clerks exempt

Why Get Optional Coverage? NYC notaries handling Wall Street financial transactions, Manhattan real estate closings, or high-value legal documents often purchase $10,000-$25,000 E&O insurance for protection against potential errors in million-dollar transactions.

Where Do New York Notaries Work?

New York City

Manhattan Financial District: Wall Street firms, investment banks, hedge funds handling multi-million dollar transactions. Premium E&O coverage recommended.

Manhattan Real Estate: High-value property closings, mortgage documents, co-op/condo transfers requiring careful attention.

Brooklyn & Queens: Growing business communities with residential real estate and small business documentation.

Upstate New York

Buffalo & Albany: State government documents, healthcare, education sector notarizations.

Westchester & Long Island: Affluent suburbs with estate planning, real estate, and professional services demand.

Hudson Valley: Growing residential market with influx of NYC relocations.

New York Notary FAQs

Does New York require notaries to have a surety bond?
According to New York Executive Law §130, New York does NOT require Notary Public applicants to obtain a surety bond. However, many NYC notaries handling high-value financial transactions choose to purchase optional bonds or E&O insurance for additional protection.
If bonds are not required, why would I get one in New York?
Optional surety bonds and E&O insurance protect you from personal financial liability if you make a notarial error. They provide peace of mind when handling high-value documents in NYC financial services, Manhattan real estate, or legal transactions.
What is required to become a New York notary?
NY requires: passing a written exam with 70% or higher (40 questions, 1 hour), being at least 18 years old, NY residency or NY office/business, $60 application fee, and oath of office filed with county clerk.
How much does an optional New York notary bond cost?
Optional surety bonds for NY notaries typically cost $100-$200 for a 4-year term depending on coverage amount ($10,000-$25,000). E&O insurance costs $150-$400 annually.
What is the difference between a surety bond and E&O insurance?
A surety bond protects the public from your errors (you must repay claims), while E&O insurance protects you from financial liability (insurance pays claims). In NY where bonds aren't required, E&O insurance is often the better choice.
How long does a New York notary commission last?
New York notary commissions are valid for 4 years. You can renew within 6 months of expiration without retaking the exam.
Where do I take the New York notary exam?
The NY notary exam is administered by the Department of State at various locations statewide. The 40-question proctored exam lasts 1 hour and covers New York notary law, fees, and proper procedures. Register online at dos.ny.gov.
What documents can a New York notary notarize?
NY notaries can take acknowledgments, administer oaths and affirmations, take affidavits and depositions, and receive and certify acknowledgments of written instruments. Notaries cannot give legal advice or prepare legal documents.
What fees can New York notaries charge?
New York law caps notary fees at $2 per signature for acknowledgments and $2 for jurats—among the lowest in the nation. Administering an oath is also $2. Mobile notaries may charge additional travel fees which are not regulated.

States That Require Notary Bonds

California
$15,000
4 years
Texas
$10,000
4 years
Florida
$7,500
4 years
Illinois
$5,000
4 years
Pennsylvania
$10,000
4 years
Ohio
$25,000
5 years
View All State Notary Bonds

Official New York Notary Resources

NY Department of State

Official notary requirements, exam information, and application procedures.

U.S. Treasury Surety Bond Program

Official list of authorized surety companies.

Official New York Requirements

"New York does not require Notary Public applicants to obtain a surety bond."
New York Department of State • New York Executive Law §130
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