New York Senate Bill S10280

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/11/26
• Refer: 5/11/26

Caption

Relates to increasing the fees certain notaries public shall be entitled to from two dollars to five dollars.

Summary

S10280 would amend Section 136 of the New York Executive Law to increase the statutory fees that notaries public may charge for certain services. The bill raises the fee for administering an oath or affirmation from $2 to $5, and raises the fee for taking and certifying an acknowledgment or proof of execution of a written instrument from $2 to $5 per person, including $5 for each additional person and $5 for swearing each witness. The measure also makes a technical update to refer to electronic notarial services under the current article of law, while leaving the fee for those services to be set by regulation by the Secretary of State. The bill’s practical effect is to increase the maximum fees authorized by state law for common notarial acts, directly affecting notaries public and the individuals or businesses that rely on notarization, such as those handling real estate, estate, financial, and other legal documents. Because the bill amends a specific fee schedule in the Executive Law, it would change the legal amounts notaries are entitled to collect for covered services statewide. It takes effect immediately upon enactment. Based on the materials provided, the bill appears to be straightforward and administrative in nature, with no recorded committee transcript or vote history indicating strong opposition or support. The caption and text suggest the purpose is to update long-standing notarial fees that have remained at $2, likely reflecting inflation and the cost of providing the service. There is no evidence in the provided record of amendments, controversy, or partisan division. The main point of possible contention is the higher cost to the public for notarization, especially for people who need multiple signatures or frequent notarized documents. Supporters would likely view the increase as a modest and overdue adjustment that better compensates notaries for their services, while critics could argue that notarization is a routine administrative requirement and should remain inexpensive. No specific stakeholder positions are included in the available materials.

Impact

This bill would amend Executive Law § 136 to increase the maximum statutory fees for certain notarial acts from $2 to $5 and make a conforming reference update for electronic notarial services. It would directly affect notaries public by authorizing higher charges and would affect individuals, businesses, and institutions that require notarized documents by increasing the cost of those services statewide.

Sentiment

The available record suggests a neutral-to-supportive sentiment, or at least no documented opposition, because there are no committee transcripts, recorded votes, or other materials showing debate. The bill appears to be a simple fee update with an administrative purpose, and the text itself does not indicate controversy beyond the higher charges to consumers.

Contention

The likely point of contention is whether increasing notarial fees from $2 to $5 is justified. Notaries and supporters may argue the increase better reflects inflation and the value of the service, while consumers, legal aid advocates, or others concerned with access to routine legal paperwork may object to higher costs for a basic administrative function. No specific objections or supporters are identified in the provided materials.