Starting on January 31, 2023, Notaries in New York can apply to perform remote online notarization (RON). Follow the steps below to become an electronic Notary Public in NY.
- Hold an existing commission as a traditional Notary Public.
- Contract with an electronic technology that meets state requirements.
- Complete an application and pay a $60 application fee to the Secretary of State.
- Buy your required Notary journal.
In This Guide: New York RON Requirements | About RON in New York | Additional FAQs
Requirements to be a Remote Notary in New York
Before you can register to perform remote notarizations, you must first meet New York's requirement of holding a traditional Notary Public commission. Notaries in New York must be at least 18 years old, be a person of good moral character, reside within the state or maintain a business office in New York, have the equivalent of a "common school education," and be a citizen or legal permanent resident of the U.S.
Applicants must not be convicted of a crime unless the SOS finds that the crime committed doesn't bar them from commission.
Does New York require training or an exam to work as a remote Notary?
No training nor exam is required to become a remote online Notary in New York.
What tools and technology do I need to perform RONs?
You'll need a computer, webcam, microphone and secure internet connection. Every RON performed in New York is required to be recorded with audiovisual technology. You'll also need to select a communication technology that meets state requirements — this is the system you'll be using to interact with signers remotely. New York doesn't provide a list of approved vendors, but BlueNotary, Cyberize It, DocuSign, DocVerify, Notarize, NotaryCam, Pavaso, Safedocs and SIGNiX offer end-to-end notarization solutions.
Additional remote Notary supplies include your electronic stamp and digital certificate containing your electronic signature. A journal is required.
Do I need a surety bond?
No, a surety bond is not required.
Is an errors and omissions (E&O) insurance policy required?
An E&O policy is not required but is strongly recommended. While a surety bond protects the public, an E&O policy can protect you from costly legal fees in the event a signer calls you into court.
About Remote Online Notarization (RON) in New York
Learn all about electronic notarization in the Empire State here.
Does New York allow remote online notarization?
Yes, remote online notarization is legal in New York effective January 31, 2023. Introduced on January 15, 2021, Senate 1780 authorizes traditional Notaries to perform electronic notarial acts using communication technology. Notaries must be physically located within the state at the time of the notarization.
How do remote online notarizations work in New York?
During a remote notarization, the signer and Notary meet virtually through communication technology. The Notary is still responsible for verifying a signer's identity, confirming they're willing to sign the document and that they’re aware of what’s in the document. From there, the Notary checks it for blanks, completes the notarial certificate, attaches an electronic seal and attaches a digital certificate containing their electronic signature.
Remote Notaries are required to keep an audio and visual recording of the electronic notarization for at least 10 years.
What notarial acts can be performed remotely in New York?
New York allows electronic Notaries to perform the following acts remotely:
- Taking acknowledgments and proofs
- Administering oaths and affirmations
- Taking affidavits and depositions
- Demanding acceptance or payment of foreign and inland bills of exchange, promissory notes and obligations in writing and protest the same for non-acceptance or non-payment
- Certifying that a tangible copy of the signature page and document type of an electronic record is an accurate copy
Are there any documents that may not be notarized using remote online notarization in New York?
With limited exceptions, Section 307 of New York’s State Technology Law prohibits the use of electronic signatures for certain estate planning documents, including:
- Powers of Attorney
- Wills
- Trusts
- Decisions consenting to "Do Not Resuscitate" (DNR) orders
Since a remote online notarization involves electronic signatures, these documents may not be notarized by New York Notaries using RON.
How long do remote notarizations take vs. traditional notarizations?
Remote notarizations take significantly less time than traditional notarizations because the Notary and signer are not traveling to meet in person. From the moment the signer logs onto a RON platform to when the Notary attaches their digital certificate, the entire transaction can only take a few minutes to complete.
Additional RON FAQs
Still have questions? We've got you covered.
How much does it cost to become a NY remote online Notary?
The cost to become a remote Notary in New York can range from below $100 to a couple of hundred dollars, depending on the companies you work with and other factors. While there is no registration fee, there is a $60 application fee and you may need to pay a sign-up fee with your chosen RON platform.
Additional expenses will include your digital supplies like your eSeal and digital certificate. If you have the recommended E&O policy, you'll need to consider its maintenance fees. A computer, webcam, microphone and secure internet access may add to your startup costs if you don't already have these items.
How much can NY remote Notaries charge for their services?
New York Notaries can charge a fee of $25 for the performance of an electronic notarial act.
How long does it take to become a remote Notary in New York?
It can take between six to eight weeks to become a NY remote online Notary with most of that time spent on getting your traditional commission. Once you're commissioned, the registration process is relatively quick.
You'll need to research and get set up with a RON platform and send the Secretary of State notification of your intent to provide remote notarizations. This can take you one to a few days, depending on your availability.
How long will my remote Notary authorization last?
Your electronic Notary authorization runs concurrently with your traditional Notary Public commission, meaning both will expire when your term ends. You'll need to renew your traditional commission before you can apply to become a remote Notary again.
Will RON services grow my NY Notary business?
Yes, providing RON services can only help your business grow. Having access to signers in all locations opens the door for endless opportunities. If you're within the state of New York at the time of the notarization, you may notarize for as many signers as you'd like.
To expand your reach, consider becoming a certified Notary Signing Agent (NSA). Completing an NSA training program, such as the one offered by the NNA, shows title companies and signing services you've been background screened and properly trained in complex signings.
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Last updated: Jan 24, 2025