Virtual Notary Now in New York by Gov. Cuomo’s Executive Order

Great News for those of us trying to help our clients stay safe, Effective March 19th:

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed an executive order allowing for documents to be notarized virtually using audio-video technology, which those in the real estate industry say is a necessary step to keep business moving during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As part of the executive order, Continuing Temporary Suspension and Modification of Laws Relating to the Disaster Emergency, any “notarial act that is required under New York State law” is allowed to be performed using audio-video technology if the person seeking the notary’s services, if not personally known to the notary, presents valid photo ID to the notary during the video conference.

According to the executive order, the notary and the person seeking services must have direct interaction, with no pre-recorded videos of the person signing; the person must prove that they are physically in the state of New York; the person must send a legible copy of the signed document to the notary electronically on the date it’s signed, with the notary sending a copy of the document back; and the notary will later re-notarize the original signed document after receiving it, along with the electronically notarized copy, within 30 days.

Posted in Planning Opportunities, WillPlan Blog.