Remote notary in New York is a process by which a notary may use an electronic video system to authenticate a document, without being physically present in the same location as the signer of the document (more information here https://onenotary.us/online-notary-new-york/). This allows individuals to complete the notarization process from the comfort of their own home or office, and it has become especially popular during the COVID-19 pandemic. New York State adopted remote notarization in 2020, following the passage of a law allowing for remote notarization during declared emergencies.

Under this law, visual conferencing technology that satisfies certain conditions, such as real-time audio and video communication between the notary public and the signer, is permitted for remote notarizations in New York. Remote notarizations in New York require a notary public to be approved by the state’s Department of State and to follow the state’s prescribed processes and regulations. Remote notarization is not available for all types of documents and there are certain restrictions and limitations that apply. However, remote notarization is a convenient and accessible option for many people who need to notarize documents in the Big Apple.

How to find a New York remote notary?

To find a remote notary in New York, you can try the following:

• Online search. You can use search engines like Google or Bing to find remote notaries in New York. You can try searching for phrases like “remote notary services in New York,” “virtual notary public New York,” or “online notary public New York” to find notaries who deliver electronic notarization services.
• Notary directories. There are several online directories of notaries public that allow you to search for notaries in your area. Some directories, also allow you to filter your search to find notaries who offer remote notarization services.
• Financial institutions that are close to where you live. Some financial institutions, such banks and credit unions, provide consumers with access to notary services, some of which allow for remote notarization. If you are interested in distant notarial services and what is required, you may reach out to your bank or credit union.
• Mobile notary services. Some notaries public offer mobile notary services, which means they can travel to your location to perform notarization services. You can contact a mobile notary and ask if online notarization is one of the services they provide.

Once you have found a remote notary in New York, make sure to verify that they are authorized to perform distant notarizations and ask about their fees and requirements. It’s also a good idea to check reviews and testimonials from previous clients to ensure the notary is reliable and professional.

Is a virtual notary public better than a physical one?

Traditional notarization provides a higher level of security and verification, as the notary public can physically witness the signing of the document and verify the identity of the signer. This can be reassuring for individuals who are dealing with important or sensitive documents. Traditional notarization is also more widely recognized and accepted in certain industries and jurisdictions. In the end, whether you choose to use a conventional or remote notary public relies on the specific requirements and preferences that you have. It’s possible that using a remote notary public is the best choice for you if you’re searching for flexibility and ease of use. If you need a greater degree of protection and verification, or if your document has to be witnessed in person, a conventional public notary may be the preferable option for you.