New York Notary Exam Pass Rate, Format & Study Guide

The New York notary public examination has 40 multiple-choice questions and a one-hour time limit (Department of State examination schedule for November-December 2026). Results are pass or fail with no numerical score, and a passing result is valid for two years for your commission application. The examination is offered in English and in several other languages listed by the Department of State.

Passing the examination is required before you can apply for a New York notary public commission.

New Yorkers applying for a first notary commission, including legal, banking and office staff.

The certifying body does not publicly publish an official pass rate for this exam. Be wary of third-party sites citing a specific number here — treat any pass-rate claim you see elsewhere for this exam as unverified.

If you do not pass, you can register for another examination session and pay the $15 fee again; confirm current scheduling on the Department of State website.

The Department of State reports pass or fail only and does not publish a numerical passing score, so this guide does not state one. Use the percentage in this portal as a self-check. Format: 40 multiple-choice questions in one hour. No official pass rate is available for this exam, so none is quoted here.

The New York notary public examination has 40 multiple-choice questions and a one-hour time limit (Department of State examination schedule for November-December 2026). Results are pass or fail with no numerical score, and a passing result is valid for two years for your commission application. The examination is offered in English and in several other languages listed by the Department of State. 40 multiple-choice questions in 60 minutes · pass or fail, no numerical score · a passing result is valid for two years. The Department of State reports pass or fail only and does not publish a numerical passing score, so this guide does not state one. Use the percentage in this portal as a self-check.

The Department of State does not publish topic weights. The portal groups the Notary Public License Law into appointment and commission, powers and limits, acknowledgments, oaths and affidavits, identity, conduct and penalties, electronic notarization, and fees and records.

The Department of State sets the age, residence or business, and character requirements for a commission. Confirm the current rules before registering.

$15 written examination and $60 commission application (Department of State); application fees are not refundable.

A New York notary commission is renewed on the schedule set by the Department of State; check the current renewal rules.

Work through the exam topics one area at a time, finish with timed full-length practice runs of 40 questions in one sitting.

Content outlines, fees and passing standards change; this guide follows the official documents listed under Verification as of October 2026. Check the New York Department of State before you register.