The Oath of Office, filed on New York State form DOS-2201, is a required part of both becoming a notary and renewing your commission. Here is what it is and how to complete it.
What the oath says
On the DOS-2201 you swear to support the U.S. and New York State constitutions and to faithfully discharge the duties of a notary public. You print your name exactly as it will appear on your notary signature.
It must be notarized
The oath must be signed in the presence of a commissioned New York notary (or a county clerk). That is the key requirement: you cannot just sign it yourself. You can get the form and notarize it online over secure video.
Out of New York State?
If your legal residence is outside New York, you skip the NYS home address section and use your NYS business address instead, then notarize the oath online from wherever you are.
What to do with it
Upload the signed, notarized oath to your application in New York Business Express along with your fee.
Get the official Oath of Office (DOS-2201) and notarize it online in minutes, from any state. Get your renewal form →
Related: How to renew your NY notary commission · Renewing from out of state