How to Find a Notary in New York (2026)
Where to get documents notarized in New York — fees, what to bring, and remote online notarization options.
Step-by-Step: Getting Documents Notarized in New York
Identify your notarial act type
Different documents require different notarial acts. An acknowledgment is the most common — you acknowledge you signed willingly. A jurat requires you to swear under oath that the document's contents are true. An oath or affirmation is used for affidavits. Understanding the type helps you prepare and ensures you bring the right document.
Find a notary near you
New York notaries can be found at many convenient locations:
• Banks and credit unions — often free for account holders
• UPS Store / FedEx Office — $10–$15 per signature, walk-in friendly
• Public libraries — sometimes free or low-cost
• Law offices — available for clients, often free with other services
• AAA offices — free for members
• Online notary search — use the New York Secretary of State's notary lookup at the link below
Prepare your document
Before your appointment: complete all parts of the document except your signature. Do not sign the document beforehand — you must sign in front of the notary. Make sure all text fields are filled in. If the document is multi-page, do not staple or bind it yet.
Bring valid photo ID
The notary must verify your identity. Bring a current, government-issued photo ID such as:
• Driver's license or state ID card
• U.S. passport or passport card
• Military ID
• Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
The name on your ID must match the name on the document. Expired IDs are generally not accepted.
Sign in front of the notary
Sign your document in the notary's presence. The notary will watch you sign, verify your willingness, and then apply their official seal and signature. For a jurat, you'll also swear or affirm that the document's contents are true.
Know the fees
New York law caps notary fees at $2 per notarial act. Remote Online Notarization (RON) is capped at $25. Notaries may charge additional travel fees if they come to you.
$2 per notarization in-person; $25 for RON. Travel fees must be agreed in advance.
Consider Remote Online Notarization (RON)
New York permits Remote Online Notarization (RON) — you can get documents notarized via video call without leaving home. RON is capped at $25 per act. Platforms like Notarize, DocuSign Notary, or NotarizeME connect you with a commissioned New York notary online.
After notarization
Keep the notarized document in a safe place. Make photocopies for your records before submitting the original anywhere. If you need an apostille (to use the document internationally), contact the New York Secretary of State's office — there's usually a separate apostille fee.
Need Online Notarization?
Get documents notarized from home via video call — available 24/7, legally valid in most states.
New York Notary — Fee Summary
| Acknowledgment fee cap | $2 |
| Jurat fee cap | $2 |
| Oath/Affirmation fee cap | $2 |
| RON (Remote Online Notarization) | $25 |
| State fee cap law | Yes |
Source: New York Secretary of State ↗