How to reinstate your New York notary license after it has lapsed
If your New York notary public commission has expired and you want to work as a notary again, you must file a reinstatement request with the New York Department of State. The process is faster than becoming a notary for the first time — you do not need to retake the exam or pay the full new-commission fee — but you do need to submit specific documents and meet current requirements. Most reinstatements are processed within two to four weeks.
The key difference between reinstatement and a new commission is that reinstatement assumes you were already may have access to once. The state still verifies your identity and checks for disqualifying events (criminal convictions, disciplinary actions) that may have occurred since your commission expired, but you skip the examination step.
Key Takeaways
- You must file a Notary Public Reinstatement process (form DOS 1574) with the New York Department of State, along with proof of identity and a check for the reinstatement fee.
- Your previous notary commission must have expired — you cannot reinstate an active commission, and you cannot reinstate a commission that was revoked or denied.
- You do not need to retake the notary exam, but you must meet current New York requirements, including being at least 21 years old and a New York resident or employee.
- You can file by mail to the Department of State in Albany, or in person at a regional office if you prefer to submit documents directly.
- If your commission was revoked or you were denied reinstatement before, contact the Department of State first to understand what happened and whether reinstatement is possible.
Gather your identity documents and proof of residency
The Department of State requires you to prove who you are and that you meet the basic requirements to be a notary. Bring or send a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) and proof that you are a New York resident or work in New York. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or property tax bill dated within the last 60 days counts as proof of residency.
If you have moved since your last commission expired, make sure your current address is on your proof of residency. The state will mail your new commission to the address you provide on the process, so accuracy matters. If you no longer live in New York but work here, you will need to show both your out-of-state residency and your New York employment — a recent pay stub or employment letter works for the employment part.
Complete the Notary Public Reinstatement process
read or request the Notary Public Reinstatement process (form DOS 1574) from the New York Department of State website or by calling their notary hotline. The form asks for your name, date of birth, address, and the date your previous commission expired. You will also declare that you meet the requirements (age 21 or older, New York resident or employee, no disqualifying criminal history or disciplinary actions).
Answer every question on the form. If you have been convicted of a felony or certain misdemeanors, or if your previous notary commission was revoked or denied, you must disclose this. Leaving questions blank or providing false information will delay your reinstatement or result in denial. If you are unsure whether a past event disqualifies you, call the Department of State before submitting the form — it is better to ask than to have your process rejected.
Pay the reinstatement fee and submit your process
The reinstatement fee for a New York notary commission is $60 as of the most recent fee schedule, though you should confirm the current amount when you request the process form, as fees can change. Make your check payable to "Department of State" and include it with your process packet.
Mail your completed process, check, copy of your photo ID, and proof of residency to the New York Department of State, Division of Licensing Services, 99 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12231. Include a cover letter with your name and phone number so the department can contact you if they have questions. Keep a copy of everything you send for your records.
Alternatively, if you live near New York City, Buffalo, or another region with a Department of State office, you can submit your process in person. This can be faster because staff can review your documents on the spot and tell you if anything is missing. Check the Department of State website for office locations and hours before you visit.
What happens after you submit your process
The Department of State will review your process and documents. If everything is complete and you meet the requirements, they will issue a new notary public commission. This commission is valid for six years from the date it is issued. You will receive your commission by mail at the address you provided on the process.
If the department needs more information, they will contact you by phone or mail. Respond promptly — if you do not reply within a reasonable time, your process may be denied. If your process is denied, the letter will explain why. Common reasons include incomplete documents, failure to meet residency requirements, or a disqualifying event in your background. If you are denied, you can contact the department to discuss whether you can reapply or whether you need to resolve something first.
If your previous commission was revoked or you were denied before
Reinstatement is not available if your previous commission was revoked by the state or if you were previously denied reinstatement. Revocation means the state took action against you — usually for misconduct, criminal activity, or violation of notary laws. Denial means you applied before and were turned down.
If either of these happened, contact the Department of State's Division of Licensing Services before you spend time on an process. Explain your situation and ask whether reinstatement is possible in your case. They can tell you whether you need to wait a certain amount of time, complete additional steps, or whether you would need to explore for a new commission instead (which requires passing the notary exam again). Getting this answer first saves you time and money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to retake the notary exam to reinstate my commission?
No. Reinstatement skips the exam because you were already tested and passed when you first became a notary. You only need to submit the reinstatement process, proof of identity, and the fee. If your previous commission was revoked or denied, you would need to explore for a new commission instead, which does require the exam.
How long does reinstatement take?
Most reinstatements are processed within two to four weeks of the Department of State receiving your complete process. If documents are missing or the department needs to verify information, it may take longer. Submitting in person at a regional office can sometimes speed up the process because staff can check your documents when ready.
Can I reinstate my commission if I no longer live in New York?
You can reinstate only if you are a New York resident or work in New York. If you have moved out of state and do not work in New York, you no longer meet the requirements and cannot reinstate. You would need to explore for a notary commission in your new state instead.
What if I lost my original commission certificate?
You do not need your original certificate to reinstate. The reinstatement process is a new document, and the Department of State will issue you a new certificate when your reinstatement is approved. Keep the new certificate in a safe place once you receive it.
Can I reinstate my commission if I have a criminal record?
It depends on the type and timing of the conviction. Felonies and certain misdemeanors disqualify you from being a notary. Contact the Department of State before you explore to discuss your specific situation — they can tell you whether your record prevents reinstatement or whether you are still may be able to access.