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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. For further information, review our Notary
Public FAQ’s or call us at (845) 638-5221.
- Am
I eligible to become a Notary Public?
- How
do I apply to become a Notary Public?
- What
if I fail the exam?
- When
can I begin notarizing documents?
- What
if my residence or businesses address changes within Rockland
County?
- What
if my residence or business address changes within New York State,
but to another county?
- What
if my residence or business address relocates outside New York
State?
- What
if my name changes through marriage or court order?
- What
if I am a NYS Notary Public outside of Rockland County, and want
to be on file in Rockland County?
- How
do I renew my Notary Public commission before it expires?
- What
if someone needs to authenticate my signature and verify my commission
on a document I’ve notarized?
- What
is the address and phone number of the NYS Department of State,
Division of Licensing Services?
- What
is the address and phone number of the Rockland County Clerk’s
Office?
- Where
can I find other links or download forms?
- Am
I eligible to become a Notary Public?
To qualify to become a Notary Public you must be at least 18 years
of age, a *U.S. citizen, a resident of New York State (or maintain
a place of business or office in NYS), and have no prior felony
convictions.
- How
do I apply to become a Notary Public?
An application packet is available at the Rockland County
Clerk’s Office containing the following: application form,
schedule of exam dates, times, and locations, and a study guide.
The exam is given on a walk-in basis. The test fee is $15.00,
payable by check or money order to the New York State Department
of State. Approximately 3 weeks after taking the test, a "PASS"
or "FAIL" notice will be mailed to you. Upon passing, send the
completed and notarized application and a check or money order
for $60.00 to the NYS Department of State.
- What
if I fail the exam?
You may retake the exam as often as you like. Each time you
take the exam you must pay the $15.00 examination fee.
- When
can I begin notarizing documents?
After you receive your Notary Public I.D. Card from the Department
of State, you can order your notary stamp from a stationery store
and begin notarizing. At this time, the Department of State will
send your Oath Card to the Rockland County Clerk’s Office.
It will be kept on file, and will serve to verify your commission
and authenticate your signature.
- What
if my residence or businesses address changes within Rockland
County?
Obtain a Change of Address/Name Card from the Rockland County
Clerk’s Office. This card must be sent, along with a check
or money order for $10.00, to the NYS Department of State. Send
a copy of the card to the Rockland County Clerk’s Office
so the change can be noted on your Oath Card.
- What
if my residence or business address changes within New York State,
but to another county?
As above, obtain the Change of Address/Name Card and send
it with a check or money order for $10.00 to the NYS Department
of State. Send a copy of the card to the Rockland County Clerk’s
Office and the County Clerk’s Office in your new county
- What
if my residence or business address relocates outside New York
State?
Your New York State Notary commission is no longer valid
- What
if my name changes through marriage or court order?
Obtain a Address/Name Change Card from the Rockland County
Clerk. Send the card and a check for $10.00 to the NYS Department
of State along with a copy of: the court order changing your name,
driver’s license, a non-driver’s ID Card, a valid passport,
or immigration documents. Send a copy to the Rockland County Clerk’s
Office.
- What
if I am a NYS Notary Public outside of Rockland County, and want
to be on file in Rockland County?
Any NYS Notary Public may be on file in Rockland County
by doing the following:
1. Complete an Appointment and Qualification of Notary Public
Card. This card can be obtained from the County Clerk’s Office
in your home county. Send the completed card and a $10.00 check
or money order made payable to the Rockland County Clerk at 1
South main Street, Suite 100, New City, NY 10956-3549. The appointment
and qualification card for Rockland County expires on the same
date as the Notary’s regular commission. To remain on file
in Rockland County the above procedures must be repeated each
time the commission is renewed.
- How
do I renew my Notary Public commission before it expires?
You will receive a renewal application by mail approximately
3 months before your current commission expires. Immediately return
your completed and notarized renewal form, along with a $60.00
check or money order to the Rockland County Clerk’s Office.
You may also appear in person at the Rockland County Clerk’s
Office to renew your commission.
PLEASE NOTE: You may add four additional years to your
expiration date AFTER your check clears, or immediately if you
appear in person to renew. If you have not received your new I.D.
Card within 3 — 4 months you must contact the NYS Department
of State, Division of Licensing Services at (518) 474-4429.
- What
if someone needs to authenticate my signature and verify my commission
on a document I’ve notarized?
Bring or send the document to the Rockland County Clerk’s
Office. If your commission is valid, we will authenticate your
signature and the validity of your commission for a fee of $3.00
per signature.
- What
is the address and phone number of the NYS Department of State,
Division of Licensing Services?
84 Holland Avenue, Albany, New York 12208 PHONE: (518)
474-4429
- What
is the address and phone number of the Rockland County Clerk’s
Office?
1 South Main Street, Suite 100, New City, New York 10956-3549,
Attn: Notary
(845) 638-5221.
* Although New York Executive Law, Section 130
states applicants must be a US citizen, this is not enforced.
A 1984 US Supreme Court decision, Bernal v. Fainter, declared
that no state may deny a Notary commission merely on the basis
of lack of citizenship. New York Notary Law Primer
- Where
can I find other links or download forms?
NYS
Department of State
Notary Public License Law
Notary Public Exams — Information & Schedule
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