The Rockland County Clerk maintains records on New York State Notary Publics residing or doing business in Rockland County. We are responsible for authenticating notary public commissions, signatures and effective dates. The County Clerk also administers notary renewals, and provides "Becoming a Notary Public" informational packets.

   

FAQ's

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Frequently Asked Questions

Exam Proceedures
Test sites and times are subject to change and exams may be canceled due to weather conditions or other emergencies. If hazardous weather conditions exist in your area, you may call 518-474-4429 to see if an exam has been canceled. Please do not call the test centers.

You can register for the exam at the test center, on the day of the exam. Refer to the schedule below to find the most convenient location, date and time for you to take any upcoming exam. Exam schedules are updated in January and July of each year.

Seats are limited and assigned on a first-come/first-served basis.

If you are late, you will not be admitted into the exam.

What To Bring

  1. A form of government issued signature identification which must be photo-bearing. Your identification MUST BE CURRENT(not expired) and from the following list:
    • driver's license
    • state issued identification (ex. non-driver ID)
    • military ID
    • United States Passport
    • United States INS issued ID
    • Certificate of US citizenship
    • Foreign Passport
    • IDNYC (NYC Resident ID card)
    • Brazilian, Mexican or Ecuadorian Consular ID
  2. $15 examination fee. You may pay by check or money order made payable to the Department of State or charge the fee to MasterCard or Visa. Cash will not be accepted. Examination fees are nonrefundable. A $20 fee will be charged for any returned check.

Test Center Policies

All applicants will be thumb printed prior to taking the exam.

Cellular phones, beepers and any other electronic devices MUST be turned off during the exam.

Dictionaries, books, other reference materials, large bags and briefcases are not allowed at the test center. Do not bring these materials to the test center as there is no place to store them.

Eating, drinking or smoking is not permitted at the test center. If you bring food or beverages, you will be asked to dispose of them before entering the test center.

Visitors, guests and children are not permitted at the test center.

Any person found using notes, books, or other aids; giving or receiving help; removing examination materials or notes from the test center; causing a disturbance or engaging in practices contrary to the rules of proper examination conduct will be dismissed from the test center. Any decisions regarding disciplinary measures will be made by the Exam Supervisor at the Department of State.

Score Reporting

You must correctly answer at least 70 percent of the questions to pass the exam. However, all exam results are reported as either passed or failed; you will not get a numerical score.

You will be notified by mail as soon as your exam results are available. Results are not given over the phone, so please do not call Licensing Services for them.

If you pass the written exam, you will receive a notice in the mail. Apply by submitting your application form and license fee. (Complete application details are provided in the application form instructions.)

If you fail the written exam, you will receive a notice in the mail. You may retake the written exam on another date and time of your choice.

Examination results are only valid for a period of two years.

About the Exam


Exam topics include: law, general terms and information related to the duties and functions of a notary public, as outlined in the "Notary Public License Law" booklet available from the Division of Licensing Services.

Applicants will be allowed 1 hour to complete the test. The allotted time begins at the conclusion of the instructions.

What are the requirements to be a Notary Public?

Notaries Public are "commissioned" (i.e., licensed) by the Secretary of State. An applicant for a notary public commission must submit to the Division of Licensing Services an original application and $60 fee. The application includes an oath of office, which must be sworn and notarized. In addition to the application form and fee, the applicant must have taken and passed the notary public examination. Examinations are regularly scheduled throughout the state. An individual who is currently a member of the New York State Bar or a court clerk of the Unified Court System, appointed to that position after taking a Civil Service promotional examination in the court clerk series of titles, while not exempt from the application fee, may be appointed a notary public without an examination. The term of commission is four years. Every person appointed as notary public must, at the time of his or her appointment, be a citizen or permanent resident alien of the United States and either a resident of New York or have an office or place of business in New York State.

Can a person convicted of a criminal offense become a notary public?
Generally, a person convicted of felony cannot be appointed as a notary public. Also, certain misdemeanors are considered disqualifying. However, should a person convicted of any crime obtain an executive pardon, a certificate of relief from disabilities, or a certificate of good conduct from the parole board, he or she may be considered for appointment.
How are the Notary Publics administered by the Rockland County Clerk?

Notaries Public are commissioned in their counties of residence. After receiving and approving an applicant for a notary public commission, the Secretary of State forwards the commission, the original oath of office and the signature of the notary public to the appropriate county clerk. The county clerk maintains a record of the commission and signature. The public may then access this record and verify the "official" signature of the notary at the county clerk's office.

Notary Publics may also be verified by visiting the NYS Department of State website database at: https://appext20.dos.ny.gov/lcns_public/lic_name_search_frm

Does a notary public receive any form of identification or license?

A newly appointed notary public will receive an identification card within four to six weeks of the date that the Division of Licensing Services receives his or her application. The identification card will indicate the notary's name, address, county and commission term.

The term of commission is four years. A reappointed notary will receive a replacement identification card from the Department of State within six to eight weeks of the date the county clerk receives his or her renewal application.

May a notary public charge for administering an oath or affirmation or for taking an acknowledgment or proof or execution?
A notary public may charge a fee of $2.00 for administering an oath or affirmation or for taking an acknowledgment or proof of execution. Unless otherwise authorized by law, a notarial fee may not exceed this amount.
How do I renew my notary public commission?
The renewal application is posted to the notary approximately three months prior to the expiration of his or her term of office. The application must be completed and submitted with a $60 fee to the county clerk where the notary is commissioned. Instructions for proper submission are included with the renewal application. The term of commission is 4 years
What if my document was notarized by a person who purported to be a notary public, but was not?
Generally, section 142-a of the Executive Law provides that a document notarized by a person who was not commissioned as a notary public will not be deemed invalid because of that fact. If you find yourself in a situation where you think this may be of importance, you should contact your attorney.
In addition to my home address, should I provide my business address on my application also?
The notary application address is subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information Law and if an applicant does not want their residence address released, they may also provide our office with a business address for disclosure purposes only.
How do I change my name or address on my license?

If you have changed your name or address, you may submit a change of personal name or address form along with a $10 fee. (The $10 fee is not required if the individual name change is the result in change of marital status) You may also change your name upon renewal of your license/registration. You must provide proof of your name change, e.g. a copy of one of the following: court order changing your name; marriage certificate; driver's license, or a non-driver's ID card; valid passport; or immigration documents.

Please note: A new ID card will not be issued to you following a change of name during the course of your commission, as you must continue to notarize using the name under which you were commissioned throughout the remainder of your term.
What name should I sign on the renewal application?
If you are changing or have changed your name, you should use your new name when signing your renewal application.

Walk-In Examinations

You can register for the exam at the test center, on the day of the exam. Refer to the schedule below to find the most convenient location, date and time for you to take any upcoming exam. Exam schedules are updated in January and July of each year.

Seats are limited and assigned on a first-come/first-served basis.

Test sites and times are subject to change and exams may be canceled due to weather conditions or other emergencies. If hazardous weather conditions exist in your area, you may call 518-474-4429 to see if an exam has been canceled. Please do not call the test center. Visit the NYS Division of Licensing website at https://www.dos.ny.gov/licensing/notary/notary.html

If you need assistance or exam information, you may contact a Division of Licensing Services office in your area or call the Albany phone center at 518-474-4429. TDD users may contact the New York State relay operator at 1-800-662-1220. Persons with disabilities who require accessibility information may call 518-474-4429.

 

For a complete list of forms please see our Forms page