Remote online notarization (or, virtual notarization) is the new way to notarize. It became legal in New York state as of January 31, 2023.
As all remote events (our beloved yet despised zoom calls, I’m looking at you), remote notarization in New York started during the pandemic. The Emergency Order signed by Governor Cuomo allowing for temporary remote notarization expired April 18, 2020, but inspired the state to make a permanent update to notarizations!
Now, that doesn’t mean every notary is capable of notarizing a document online. Notaries do have to specifically apply and be commissioned by the Secretary of State to be an RON (Remote Online Notary). But in order to use an accredited New York State approved online system, notaries have to provide information to prove they are RON (not just in-person notary), so don’t worry about having to vet them yourself.
It’s also important to note that although the very convenient ‘access to internet everywhere’ factor is a fantastic bonus for you, the non-notary signer, as you can pretty much have your document notarized from anywhere (read this post for details), there are still rules for notaries. Remote Notaries must be physically located within the state at the time of the notarization.
So, that wraps up a quick backstory and some extra details behind the legalization of online notaries in New York State.
Each state holds their own regulations on RON, so for good measure here is the current list (as of Jan 1, 2024) of states that allow online notarization:
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
Colorado
Florida
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Michigan
Minnesota
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming