New York Remote Online Notarization (RON) Laws
RON EnactedEffective January 30, 2023
Quick Facts
- Status
- RON Enacted
- Year Enacted
- 2022
- Statute
- N.Y. Exec. Law § 135-c et seq.
- Bill Number
- S 1780C
New York RON Law Overview
In 2022, New York enacted comprehensive RON legislation (S 1780C) that authorizes remote online notarization under N.Y. Exec. Law § 135-c et seq.. The law took effect on January 30, 2023. Under this framework, New York-commissioned notaries can conduct notarizations via secure audio-video communication without requiring the signer's physical presence. The law sets standards for identity proofing through credential analysis and knowledge-based authentication, ensuring remote notarizations carry the same legal weight as traditional in-person notarizations.
New York RON Requirements
New York's RON requirements mandate a live audio-video session for every remote notarization. Credential analysis of a government-issued photo ID is required to verify the signer's identity. The signer must successfully complete knowledge-based authentication (KBA), answering personal questions generated from public records and credit data to confirm their identity. The state requires notaries to maintain secure electronic journals and apply tamper-evident technology to ensure document integrity after signing. Audio-video recordings of each RON session must be retained for at least 10 years.
- Audio-video required
- Yes
- Tamper-evident seal
- Required
- Electronic journal
- Required
- Recording retention
- 10 years
- Credential analysis
- Required
- KBA required
- Yes
- Commissioned in state
- Required
- RON endorsement
- Required
Interstate Recognition
New York generally recognizes remote online notarizations performed by notaries commissioned in other states that have enacted equivalent RON legislation. Documents notarized via RON in another state may be accepted for recording and legal purposes in New York, subject to compliance with the originating state's RON requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is remote online notarization legal in New York?
Yes, New York has enacted permanent RON legislation in 2022 under N.Y. Exec. Law § 135-c et seq.. Remote online notarization is fully legal and authorized for New York-commissioned notaries who meet the state's RON requirements.
What are the identity verification requirements for RON in New York?
New York requires credential analysis of a government-issued photo ID and knowledge-based authentication (KBA) for all remote online notarizations. The signer must correctly answer personal questions generated from authoritative data sources.
Do I need a special endorsement to perform RON in New York?
Yes, New York requires notaries to obtain a RON endorsement or registration in addition to their standard notary commission before performing remote online notarizations.
What technology is required for RON in New York?
New York requires RON sessions to use real-time two-way audio-video communication. Documents must be sealed with tamper-evident technology. An electronic journal must be maintained for all remote notarizations. Session recordings must be retained for 10 years.
Does New York accept out-of-state RON?
New York generally recognizes remote online notarizations performed by notaries commissioned in other states with equivalent RON laws. However, specific recording offices may have additional requirements.
New York enacted permanent RON after extending executive orders several times during and after COVID-19.