How it works
- Check with the recipient first. Ask whoever is receiving the document whether they accept an electronic notarization. Some county clerks, courts, lenders, and foreign agencies still require ink.
- Send me the document and tell me who is signing and where they are.
- Your identity is verified electronically, through identity proofing against outside data sources and analysis of your government-issued ID.
- We meet over live audio and video. You sign electronically, I complete the notarial certificate, and the session is recorded as New York requires.
- You receive the notarized electronic document.
The rules in New York
- The notary must be registered as an electronic notary and physically in New York during the session. I am both.
- The signer can be anywhere, including another state or overseas.
- The session is recorded, and the recording is kept with the journal entry.
- The fee for an electronic notarial act is capped by New York at $25.
The background is in remote online notarization in New York: how it works.
What you need
- A phone, tablet, or computer with a camera, microphone, and a steady internet connection
- Current government-issued photo ID that can be verified electronically
- The complete document as a file, unsigned
- Every signer available for the session, each with their own ID
When online is the right choice
- The signer is out of state or overseas
- Signers are in different places
- The document is straightforward and the recipient has confirmed they accept it
When in person is still better
- The recipient wants a wet-ink original
- The document needs witnesses in the room
- The signer is not comfortable with the technology or has ID that will not pass electronic verification
- The document is headed for an apostille. Confirm the path before choosing.
If in person fits better, see mobile notary.
What it costs
New York caps the notarial fee at $25 per electronic notarial act. You will have the total for your session before we start.
Related guides
- Remote online notarization in New York: how it works
- Acknowledgment vs. jurat: which one does your document need?
Common questions
Is online notarization legal in New York?
Yes. Electronic notarization by a notary registered with the Department of State as an electronic notary has been permitted since 2023.
Can I be outside New York?
Yes. The notary must be physically in New York, but the signer may be anywhere.
Will my bank, court, or county clerk accept it?
Ask them before you book. Acceptance is up to the party receiving the document, and some still require ink.
How much does it cost?
New York caps the notarial fee at $25 per electronic notarial act. You will have the total before the session starts.