Online notary is legal in New York. New York has formally modernized its notary laws to allow remote online notarization, making it possible to notarize documents securely using live audio-video technology. This authorization is established under New York law and is now an accepted and lawful method of notarization.
New York expressly authorizes remote online notarization under New York Executive Law § 135-c. This law allows commissioned notaries to perform notarizations electronically using secure, real-time audio-video communication.
As a result, New York signers may now complete notarizations online without meeting a notary in person, provided the notarization complies with the requirements of the statute.
How online notary works under New York law
Under Executive Law § 135-c, an online notarization must meet several key standards:
- The notary and signer communicate using live, two-way audio-video technology
- The notary must be physically located in New York at the time of notarization
- The signer’s identity must be properly verified
- The notary applies an electronic signature and seal that are tamper-evident
- The audio-video session is recorded and retained as part of the notary’s record
These safeguards ensure that online notarizations are legally enforceable and as secure — or more secure — than traditional in-person notarizations.
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Are online notarizations from other states valid in New York?
Yes. In addition to authorizing New York-based online notarizations, New York law also recognizes notarizations performed by notaries commissioned in other states, including those completed remotely.
Specifically, New York recognizes out-of-state notarizations under:
- Section 2309 of the New York Civil Practice Law and Rules
- Sections 299, 299-a, and 309-b of the New York Real Property Law
This means a document notarized online by a properly commissioned out-of-state notary is generally valid in New York, as long as it complies with the laws of the notary’s commissioning state and includes the correct notarial wording or conformity requirements when applicable. That said, you should confirm with your document recipient or document requirements that an out-of-state notary will be acceptable.
What this means for New York signers
For individuals and businesses in New York, online notarization offers several important benefits:
- Convenience: Notarize documents from anywhere without travel
- Speed: Complete notarizations quickly, even on short notice
- Legal Validity: Online notarizations are authorized and recognized under New York law
- Flexibility: Documents may be notarized by New York notaries or, in many cases, by qualified out-of-state remote notaries
This is particularly helpful for New Yorkers who are traveling, living abroad, or working with documents that need to be signed promptly.
Takeaway: Online notary Is legal and accepted in New York
New York has clearly authorized remote online notarization, and it also recognizes qualifying online notarizations performed by notaries in other states. As long as the notarization complies with applicable statutory requirements, online notarization is a lawful and reliable option for New York signers.