After Governor Andrew Cuomo first made Remote Electronic Notarization legal as part of an emergency order relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, the New York State Legislature and Governor Kathy Hochul have moved forward with making the practice permanent. Gov. Hochul signed a bill in December 2021 that will go into effect June 20, 2022 making New York one of 40 states that allow the practice.

Whereas previously, those looking to have documents notarized would have to meet in person with a certified Notary Public, this new law will allow for documents to be notarized via live video communication with the signer and a notary public. This move will significantly ease the burden of real estate closings and other matters which require notarized documentation, as well as allow New Yorkers living in rural areas, the elderly, and disabled New Yorkers much more access to services that were once difficult to obtain.

Details still need to be worked out before the law takes effect, however. The Secretary of State will need to set standards to ensure that audio/video conferences used for remote notarization is secure and done in real time, as well as set up a method for verifying state issued identification.

If you or someone you know is looking for the services of a notary or are completing a real estate closing please do not hesitate to contact our office. We have a number of professionals with experience working in real estate and are eager to help.