As a New York State Remote Online Notary Public, I spend most of my sessions helping clients with powers of attorney, affidavits of residency, and estate documents. But did you know that some of the most frequently notarized documents in our state are the ones you need before you can enjoy a weekend at Thousand Islands, cast a line at the Adirondack lochs, or set up a tent along the shores of the Catskill Mountains?
If you are planning to take advantage of New York’s state park season – whether that means a season pass, a senior discount, a reduced-fee hunting or fishing license, or a backcountry camping permit – chances are you will need at least one notarized affidavit before everything gets approved.
This guide covers everything you need to know about notarizing hunting, fishing, and camping affidavits in New York State, plus a special section on the questions I hear most often from clients. Let’s dive in.
Why State Parks, Fishing, and Camping Require Notarized Affidavits
New York State operates more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, and boat launches. These parks welcome over 88 million visitors annually, and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) works hard to keep access affordable and fair for all residents.
To verify eligibility for discounts, passes, and reduced-fee programs, the state requires proof that you are who you say you are and that you meet specific residency or age requirements. That is where notarized affidavits come in.
What Is an Affidavit?
An affidavit is a written statement of fact that you swear or affirm to be true under oath. In New York, an affidavit is technically called a jurat or a verification upon oath or affirmation. The key difference between the two most common notarial acts is worth knowing:
- Acknowledgment: You declare to the notary that you willingly signed a document. You can sign the document before appearing before the notary. No oath is required.
- Jurat (Affidavit): You sign the document in the notary’s presence AND swear or affirm that the contents are true. An oath is required, and the signer must respond out loud – a nod of the head is not acceptable. Most agencies prefer jurats for affidavits of residency, age, or eligibility.
In New York, an affidavit must be signed in the presence of a notary public. The notary administers an oath or affirmation, verifies your identity, and applies their signature and notarial certificate to the document.
For state park and recreation programs, affidavits are commonly used to:
- Prove your New York State residency when you lack standard documentation
- Certify your age for senior discount eligibility
- Verify veteran status for the Lifetime Liberty Pass
- Confirm disability status for free license programs
- Establish identity for active-duty military personnel (Patriot Plan)
The Affidavit Process
The process is straightforward. You complete the affidavit form, bring acceptable identification to your notary, and sign the document in the notary’s presence. The notary then administers an oath, signs the document, and records the act in their official journal.
In New York, a notary is required to include the following information on every notarized document: the notary’s name, the words “Notary Public, State of New York,” the county where they are commissioned, the commission expiration date, and the notary’s official ID number. Most notaries use an ink stamp to ensure all required information is complete and reproducible.
Empire Passes and Golden Park Program
The Empire Pass
The Empire Pass is New York’s official state park season pass. For the 2026 season, the annual Empire Pass costs $80 and provides unlimited day-use vehicle entry to New York State Parks, state boat launch sites, arboretums, park preserves, and Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) forest preserves.
For frequent visitors, multi-season passes offer significant savings. Three-season passes are available for $205, five-season passes for $320, and the Lifetime Empire Passport costs $750. The lifetime pass has no expiration date and is a fantastic investment for anyone who loves the outdoors.
When purchasing an Empire Pass, you are generally not required to provide an affidavit. However, if you are purchasing a pass on behalf of someone else – such as buying a senior pass for a parent – some vendors may require a notarized statement confirming the person’s eligibility.
Golden Park Program
New York’s Golden Park Program is a gem that many residents overlook. If you are a New York State resident who is 62 years of age or older, you can receive free vehicle access to most state parks on weekdays (Monday through Friday, excluding holidays). You also receive fee reductions at state historic sites and state-operated golf courses.
The program does not require any application or formal affidavit. Your New York State driver’s license or state-issued non-driver ID card serves as your pass. Simply show it when you enter a park, and the attendants will honor it. No notarization needed for this one.
However, if you do not have a driver’s license or ID card – perhaps your parent’s license expired and they have not renewed it – you may need a notarized affidavit of age and residency to prove eligibility. This is where I can help as your Remote Online Notary. We can meet via secure video, you can present your proof of age, and I can notarize an affidavit certifying your age and residency status.
Hunting and Fishing: Free and Reduced-Fee Programs
New York’s Department of Environmental Conservation offers several free and reduced-fee programs for hunting and fishing licenses, and many of them require notarized affidavits.
Senior Citizens (Age 70 and Older)
Senior citizens who are 70 years or older and are New York State residents qualify for reduced-fee licenses at just $5 each for fishing, hunting, and trapping. The base hunting license is required, but the cost is minimal compared to standard pricing.
To apply, you must prove your age and residency. If your driver’s license is current and shows your New York address, you usually do not need an affidavit. But if your license is from another state, expired, or missing your address, DEC may require a notarized affidavit confirming your age and that you have resided in New York for more than 30 days immediately preceding the date of application.
Active-Duty Military (Patriot Plan)
Active-duty New York State military personnel and their dependents receive free hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses under the Patriot Plan. To qualify, you generally need a valid military ID. If your military documentation does not clearly show New York State residency, DEC may ask for a notarized affidavit confirming your duty station and residency status.
Veterans
Veterans who served during periods of war or national emergency and were discharged under honorable conditions may be eligible for free sporting licenses. Veterans typically need to provide a DD-214 or other proof of discharge and service. If the discharge paperwork is unclear or if you need to supplement your application, a notarized affidavit can help verify your eligibility.
Disabled License Holders
New York residents with disabilities, including those with service animals or physical impairments, may qualify for free hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses. The disability must be documented, and a notarized statement from a physician or a notarized self-affidavit may be accepted depending on the type of disability and the program.
How I Can Help
As a Remote Online Notary, I can notarize affidavits for all of these programs from anywhere in the country. You simply need to be able to connect to a secure video platform, present valid identification, and sign the document in my presence. The entire session takes just a few minutes.
One important tip: always check with the agency before you go to a notary. Some agencies, like DEC or local beach resort districts, may have their own specific affidavit forms. Other agencies accept a general notarized statement. If you bring a blank affidavit to me, I can help you draft the appropriate language for your situation. Using the agency’s preferred form can speed up processing and avoid delays.
Camping: Backcountry Permits and State Park Reservations
Backcountry Camping
New York’s Adirondack and Catskill regions offer incredible backcountry camping experiences. Primitive or backcountry camping is allowed on Forest Preserve lands in both mountain ranges, as well as on State Forest lands outside the Preserve.
Backcountry camping is free, but you are required to carry a valid New York State camping permit. The permit must be signed and, in many cases, notarized when you are applying for special dispensation or exemption. For example, if you are camping on behalf of a group and need to designate a lead permit holder, or if you are camping during a special seasonal closure period and need an affidavit of good standing, a notarized statement may be required.
State Park Campgrounds
New York’s state park campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak season. The 2026 New York State Park Camping Guide is available from visitor centers, state parks, and online through the official reservation system. Most campgrounds do not require notarized documents for standard reservations, but if you are applying for a discounted camping rate based on senior status, disability, or veteran eligibility, you may need to submit a notarized affidavit alongside your application.
DEC Forest Preserve Rules
The Department of Environmental Conservation has specific rules for state land camping that every outdoor enthusiast should know:
- Backcountry camping is prohibited on Unique Areas, Wildlife Management Areas, and a few other categories of state land
- You must carry your valid permit with you at all times while camping
- Group sizes are typically limited to eight persons
- Permits must be signed by the permit holder and may require notarization for multi-day or seasonal camping
If you are unsure whether your camping activity requires a notarized affidavit, the best approach is to check with DEC directly or reach out to a notary for guidance before your trip.
Common Questions About Notarizing Your Hunting, Fishing, and Camping Affidavits
Over the years, I have notarized countless affidavits for New York State outdoor recreation programs. Here are the questions I hear most often from clients who need affidavits for their hunting, fishing, camping, and state park documentation.
Does the Agency Need a Specific Affidavit Form?
This is the single most common question I get. The short answer is: check with the agency first. Some agencies, like the Department of Environmental Conservation, have their own specific forms they prefer. For example, DEC provides a Residency Verification Affidavit for applicants who need to prove that they have lived in New York for at least 30 consecutive days before applying for a sporting license. When an agency provides its own form, always use that form rather than a general statement.
Other agencies, like the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, are generally more flexible. They often accept a notarized general statement of residency or age. If no specific form is provided, I can help you draft the appropriate affidavit language tailored to your situation. The key is making sure the affidavit clearly states what fact you are swearing to – your age, your residency, your veteran status, or your disability – and includes your printed name, signature, and the date.
How Long Is a Notarized Affidavit Valid?
There is no universal expiration date for notarized affidavits. The notarial act itself does not expire, but the underlying facts might change. For example, if you notarize an affidavit declaring that you are a resident of Westchester County, that affidavit remains valid as long as you continue to live there. If you move to a different state, the affidavit is no longer accurate.
For senior discount affidavits, the age declaration is permanent – once you are 62 or 70, you always meet that age requirement. For residency affidavits, I recommend getting a fresh notarization each season if you have moved or if the agency asks for documentation from the current year. When in doubt, submit the most recent notarized affidavit you have and see if the agency accepts it.
Can I Notarize an Affidavit for Someone Else?
Yes, you absolutely can. Many of my clients come to me to notarize affidavits for family members, especially parents, spouses, and siblings. The person whose facts are being declared – called the affiant – must be the one appearing before the notary, giving the oath, and signing the document. So if you are getting a residency affidavit for your father, your father must appear in person or on video call with the notary. You cannot sign the affidavit on his behalf.
If your parent is not technologically savvy, I recommend sitting with them during a Remote Online Notarization session. You can help them navigate the video platform and hold up their documents to the camera, but they are the ones responding to the oath and signing their name. This approach works beautifully for elderly parents who live in the same household but prefer the convenience of not traveling to a notary office.
What Counts as Valid Proof of Residency?
New York agencies generally accept any one of the following documents to verify residency:
- A valid New York State driver’s license or non-driver identification card showing your current address
- A recent utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) with your name and address
- A lease agreement or mortgage statement
- A voter registration card
- A tax return or W-2 form showing your New York address
- A bank or credit card statement
If you lack standard documentation – perhaps you recently moved, you are a seasonal resident, or your address is listed under a different name – that is exactly when a notarized affidavit becomes valuable. The affidavit allows you to swear under oath that you reside in New York State, backed by whatever supporting evidence you do have. I always recommend bringing at least one piece of supporting documentation to your notarial session, even if you are providing an affidavit. It strengthens your declaration and makes processing smoother on the agency side.
Can I Use One Affidavit for Multiple Programs?
This is a great question. In many cases, yes. If you need a residency affidavit for a senior hunting license and another for a discounted Empire Pass, a single notarized statement can often satisfy both agencies. The trick is drafting the affidavit broadly enough to cover all intended uses.
For example, instead of writing “I swear that I am a resident of New York State for the purpose of obtaining a fishing license,” write “I swear that I am a resident of New York State and have maintained my primary residence here for more than 30 days.” This broader language works across multiple programs. I often suggest this approach to clients who need documentation for two or three different agencies at once. Just be aware that some agencies prefer their own forms, so always check first.
What Happens If an Agency Rejects My Notarized Affidavit?
Rejection is uncommon but it does happen, usually for one of three reasons. First, the notary may have missed a required element – such as the county of commission, the commission expiration date, or the notary seal. Always verify that the notarial certificate is complete before you submit the document. Second, the affidavit may not contain the specific language the agency requires. If an agency asked for a residency declaration and you submitted an age declaration instead, it will not be accepted. Third, some agencies have their own forms, and they simply will not accept a general statement.
If your affidavit is rejected, the fix is usually simple. Contact the agency to determine exactly what they need, and bring those requirements to your notary for a fresh notarization. In my experience, most rejection issues are resolved by using the agency’s preferred form or by clarifying the specific language in the affidavit.
Do I Need Two Witnesses for Hunting and Fishing Affidavits?
No. Two witnesses are only required for powers of attorney and certain real estate documents in New York. For affidavits – including residency affidavits, age declarations, veteran status declarations, and disability affidavits – you only need a notary public. No witnesses are necessary. The notary administers the oath, verifies your identity, and applies their notarial certificate. That is all.
Can an Affidavit Be Notarized Remotely?
Absolutely. Remote Online Notarization is fully valid for affidavits in New York State. The notary must be physically located within New York State at the time of the notarization, but you can be anywhere – in upstate New York, in another state, or even living abroad. The session is conducted via a secure two-way audio-video platform. I verify your identity, administer the oath, and apply my electronic seal. The entire session takes just five to ten minutes, and the recording is retained for at least ten years as required by law.
Remote notarization is especially helpful for residents of upstate New York who do not have easy access to a local notary office. You can stay home, connect to a video call, and get your affidavit notarized without driving across town.
How Much Does Notarization Cost?
In New York, the maximum fee for a traditional in-person notarization is $2 per notarial act, and the maximum fee for a Remote Online Notarization is $25. Most affidavits require only one notarial act, so the cost is quite affordable. If you need multiple documents notarized in the same session, such as a residency affidavit and a separate veteran status declaration, each notarial act is priced separately.
Practical Tips for a Smooth Notarization Experience
Whether you are notarizing a hunting affidavit, a camping permit, or an Empire Pass application for a family member, here are some practical tips that will make the process go smoothly.
Prepare Your Documents in Advance
Do not wait until the last minute to gather the documents you need notarized. Most notaries prefer that documents arrive with blank signature lines and notarial certificate sections. If your document is already signed, the notary cannot notarize it unless they watch you sign it in their presence.
Bring Proper Identification
For a standard notarial act, bring a valid government-issued photo ID with a signature, such as a driver’s license, passport, or military ID. The ID must be current and not expired. For Remote Online Notarization, the notary will perform credential analysis of your digital ID and may ask identity-proofing questions.
Schedule Your RON Session Wisely
If you are using a Remote Online Notary, make sure you are in a quiet location with a stable internet connection, a webcam, and a microphone. Most RON sessions take five to ten minutes, but technical issues can extend the time. If you are notarizing a document for an elderly parent, build in extra time for technology setup.
Keep Records
After your document is notarized, keep a copy for your records. For powers of attorney, store the original in a safe but accessible location and give copies to anyone who may need to use the document, such as bank representatives or healthcare providers.
Remote Online Notarization: How It Works in New York
New York authorized Remote Online Notarization under Executive Law Section 135-c, and the program went into effect on January 25, 2023. As a Remote Online Notary, I meet with you via a secure two-way audio-video platform, verify your identity, administer an oath, and apply my electronic seal to your document.
The entire session is recorded, and I am required to retain the audio and visual recording for at least ten years. I also maintain an electronic journal of every notarial act.
Here is what makes RON so convenient: you can be anywhere in the world. The notary must be physically located within New York State at the time of the notarization, but you can be in California, Florida, or even abroad. This is especially helpful for New Yorkers living away from home or for families who need to notarize documents for elderly parents who do not live nearby.
Available Notarial Acts
Remote Online Notaries in New York can 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
- Certifying that a tangible copy of the signature page of an electronic record is an accurate copy
Additional Considerations for Outdoors Enthusiasts
Plan Ahead for the Season
If you are planning a hunting, fishing, or camping season, do not wait until the last minute to get your documents notarized. Processing times for state agencies can take weeks, and notarized affidavits need to be submitted with your applications. Getting your affidavit notarized early ensures you have everything you need when the season opens.
Verify Agency Requirements
Different agencies may have different affidavit requirements. The Department of Environmental Conservation may accept a standard notary acknowledgment, while OPRHP may require a specific format. Always check with the agency before you go to a notary. If you are unsure, I am happy to review the requirements and help you choose the right notarial act.
Multi-Purpose Affidavits
If you need documentation for multiple programs – say, a senior hunting license and a discounted camping permit – ask your notary whether a single affidavit can serve both purposes. In many cases, one notarized statement can satisfy multiple agencies, saving you time and money.
Final Thoughts
New York’s state parks, hunting grounds, and camping areas are treasures that we should all take advantage of. From the Empire Pass to the Golden Park Program, from senior fishing licenses to backcountry camping permits, the state offers incredible opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Notarized affidavits are a small but important part of making sure you and your family can access these resources. Whether you are a seasoned outdoorsman, a casual weekend camper, or someone who is helping an elderly parent get their outdoor recreation paperwork in order, a notary public can help you get everything squared away quickly and efficiently.
If you need an affidavit notarized for a state park pass, hunting or fishing license, camping permit, or any outdoor recreation program, do not hesitate to reach out. Remote Online Notarization makes it possible to complete these transactions from the comfort of your home, and I am here to help make the process as smooth and straightforward as possible.
The parks are waiting. Let’s get your paperwork sorted so you can enjoy everything the Empire State has to offer.
Disclaimer: This blog post is written from the perspective of a practicing New York State Remote Online Notary Public based on current regulations as of June 2026 and is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. For specific situations, please consult a qualified attorney and refer to the latest New York State Department of State and Department of Environmental Conservation guidelines.