How to Become a NYS Notary Public and Remote Online Notary

Thinking about becoming a New York State Notary Public? Start with the basics, study the rules, and take the Free NYS Notary Practice Test from Notary Ninjas, LLC.

At Notary Ninjas, we built one of the most advanced free NYS Notary Practice Test systems available, with a large and growing database of practice questions designed to help future notaries understand the rules, duties, legal limits, and real-world responsibilities of the office.

Becoming a notary is not just about passing a test. It is about learning how to properly identify signers, administer oaths and affirmations, take acknowledgments, maintain proper records, avoid unauthorized practice of law, and protect the public from fraud.

Step 1: Become a Traditional NYS Notary Public

To become a Notary Public in New York, applicants generally must submit an application and fee to the New York State Department of State, pass the NYS Notary Public examination, and either reside in New York State or have an office or place of business in New York State. NYS attorneys and certain court clerks may be exempt from the examination requirement.

After passing the exam, applicants apply through NY Business Express, complete the required application process, upload the required Oath of Office form, and wait for the commission to be processed.

That is why we recommend starting with the Notary Ninjas Free NYS Notary Practice Test. It gives you a practical way to prepare before paying for the exam, taking time out of your schedule, and starting the formal application process.

Step 2: Become a Remote Online Notary, Also Known as an Electronic Notary

Once you are a commissioned New York Notary Public, you may apply to become an Electronic Notary Public, which allows you to perform electronic notarial acts, including remote online notarizations.

Remote online notarization allows the notary and signer to communicate by approved audio-video communication technology. The signer does not have to be physically with the notary, but the notary must be physically located in New York State at the time of the electronic notarization. The notary must verify identity through approved methods, use compliant technology, and maintain the required records.

New York also requires notaries to keep a journal, and electronic notaries must maintain both a journal and an audio-video record of electronic notarial acts.

Step 3: Choosing a RON Platform and Using BlueNotary

Notary Ninjas works with BlueNotary as a remote online notarization technology platform option. BlueNotary can be used by notaries who are setting up their electronic notary tools, including digital signing, eSeal placement, and sample output documents.

It is important to understand that New York State does not certify or recommend one specific electronic notarization platform. NYS requires notaries to choose a platform that complies with New York’s minimum standards, and notaries should confirm compliance with the platform provider.

For New York electronic notaries, the exemplar is a key step. NYS requires an exemplar for electronic notaries, and the exemplar must include the notary’s electronic signature, electronic seal, and information about the digital credential service provider. Typed signatures are not accepted as the electronic signature.

BlueNotary provides tools for generating a sample output file. For New York, the notary should use BlueNotary’s exemplar process to create the required sample document showing the electronic signature, electronic seal, and digital certificate information. This exemplar is then used when applying for the NYS Electronic Notary Certificate through the state system.

After the electronic notary commission is issued, the notary logs into NY Business Express, goes to the dashboard, and starts the exemplar application process. If the notary changes providers or uses more than one provider, the exemplar may need to be updated.

Why Start with Notary Ninjas?

Notary Ninjas, LLC is not just a traditional notary company. We are a technology-forward notary company building tools to help New Yorkers prepare, study, notarize, organize, and understand the process better.

Our Free NYS Notary Practice Test is built for people who want to become notaries, people who are studying for the exam, and current notaries who want to refresh their knowledge. Whether your goal is to become a traditional notary, move into remote online notarization, or eventually work with platforms like BlueNotary, preparation starts with understanding the law and the responsibilities of the office.

Start today with the Free NYS Notary Practice Test from Notary Ninjas, LLC.

Study. Practice. Pass. Then take the next step toward becoming a New York Notary Public and, eventually, a Remote Online Notary.