New York currently supports electronic notarization. Licensed notaries in New York may now use audio-video technology to do notarial actions, so long as certain conditions are followed. The notary and the signer must be able to see and hear each other in real time on a video conferencing platform, the signer’s identity must be verified, and the act of virtual notarization New York must be recorded. On April 7, 2020, in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo issued an executive order legalizing virtual notarization.
To guarantee that vital legal papers may still be notarized while respecting social distance norms, the ruling authorized the use of remote notarization through audio-video technology. Before the executive order, it was impossible to adhere to social isolation restrictions and stay-at-home orders since notarial activities under New York State law had to be conducted in person. Legal transactions were authorized by virtual notarization to ensure public safety and keep the economy functioning during the epidemic.
Legal papers that may be notarized electronically in New York
Virtual notarization is legal in New York for most documents, provided they satisfy specific criteria. These prerequisites consist of:
- The person requesting the notarization must sign the paper.
- In order to use a virtual notary in the state of New York, the individual requesting notarization must be present in the state at the time of the notarization.
- The virtual notarization may only take place if the notary public is physically present in New York.
- The notary public must employ audio-visual equipment that permits two-way communication with the individual requesting notarization.
- A genuine government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license or passport, must be shown to the notary public before the notarization may take place.
- The notary public is required to keep a copy of the video or audio recording of the whole notarial act for at least 10 years.
- The document being notarized must have both the notary’s electronic signature and electronic seal.
Keep in mind that virtual notarization may not always be the best option, especially for documents like wills and codicils that need further steps taken to confirm their validity. It is always recommended to contact an attorney or notary public in order to identify the appropriate technique of notarization for your particular circumstance. This may be done in a number of different ways.
Tips for saving money on New York notary services online
Start by looking into the various notaries in the New York area and comparing their costs if you need a virtual notarization. You may do a search online to locate notaries who are willing to provide their services virtually. You may then go to their sites or call them to find out how much they charge for digital notarization services. On the websites of certain notaries, you may be able to find information about the costs they charge, while other notaries might need you to get in touch with them to get a quotation.
You should compare the costs charged by various notaries, but you should also think about other criteria, such as the availability of the notary, their expertise and credentials, and their reputation. Get a feel for the notary’s service and professionalism by reading reviews written by their former customers. Remember that the least expensive choice is not always the wisest. If you can afford it, go with a notary who has more expertise, is more trustworthy, and has a better reputation.
