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New York Promissory Notes

Create a legally compliant New York promissory note that complies with state usury limits and includes all required provisions. Choose the note type that fits your lending situation, fill out the guided form, and download your professional PDF for $7.99.

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New York Usury Law and Note Requirements

Max Interest Rate 16%
Rate Description 16% civil maximum; 25% criminal threshold
Default Rate 9%
Penalty for Exceeding Usury Limit Entire debt voided over 16%; felony over 25%
Statute of Limitations 6 years
Notarization Required Not required (recommended)
Witness Required Not required
Governing Agency New York Supreme Courts

Verified against official New York usury statutes and New York Supreme Courts guidance. Last reviewed May 2026. How we verify our legal data.

A New York promissory note is bound by one of the strictest usury regimes in the country. The civil usury cap is 16 percent per year, and interest above 25 percent is criminal usury. When a note is silent on rate, New York's default legal rate is 9 percent.

The consequences are severe: a note exceeding the 16 percent civil cap can be voided entirely, and rates above 25 percent are a felony. Many business loans above set thresholds are treated differently. The statute of limitations on a written note is six years. Our documents include a usury savings clause and the terms a New York court requires.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum interest rate for a promissory note in New York?

New York caps the maximum interest rate at 16% (16% civil maximum; 25% criminal threshold). Exceeding this limit may result in penalties: Entire debt voided over 16%; felony over 25%. If no rate is specified, the default legal rate is 9%. Our documents include a usury savings clause for additional protection.

Does a promissory note need to be notarized in New York?

Notarization is not legally required in New York, but it is strongly recommended. A notarized note is easier to enforce in court and helps verify the identities of all parties. While not required, having 1 witness is recommended.

How much does a New York promissory note cost?

Each promissory note costs $7.99. Choose your note type, fill in your details through our guided form, and download your completed, New York-compliant PDF instantly. Re-download available for 5 days.

What are New York's civil and criminal usury limits for promissory notes?

New York has a two-tier usury system. The civil usury limit is 16% per year (General Obligations Law §5-501) - loans above this rate are void and unenforceable. The criminal usury limit is 25% per year (Penal Law §190.40) - charging above this is a felony. Important exceptions apply for loans over $250,000 made to corporations or LLCs. Lenders have 6 years to sue to collect on a defaulted written promissory note in New York.

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