New York Online Notary Guide
A Step-by-Step Guide: How to Become an Online Notary in New York
Want to become an online notary in New York? New York allows commissioned notaries to perform electronic notarizations remotely, but you must satisfy the state's notary requirements, register to perform electronic notarial acts, and use technology that complies with New York law.
This guide walks through how to become a New York electronic notary, including eligibility, the notary exam, application and registration fees, digital certificate requirements, recordkeeping, and what you need to know about remote online notarization in New York.
Can You Become an Online Notary in New York?
Yes. New York permits electronic notarization, including notarizations performed remotely using real-time audio-video communication technology. Before performing electronic notarial acts, however, a notary must be properly commissioned and registered with the New York Department of State to perform electronic notarizations.
During a remote electronic notarization, the notary must be physically located within New York State. The signer does not have to be physically located in New York.
Additional requirements apply when a signer is outside the United States, so New York electronic notaries should review those rules before accepting an international remote notarization.
New York Online Notary Requirements at a Glance
- Meet New York's eligibility requirements for a notary public.
- Pass the New York State Notary Public Examination unless you qualify for an exemption.
- Complete the required Oath of Office.
- Apply for your notary commission through New York Business Express.
- Register the capability to perform electronic notarial acts.
- Obtain the electronic signature/digital certificate technology required by New York.
- Submit the required electronic-notary exemplar.
- Use communication technology and identity-verification processes that satisfy New York requirements.
- Maintain the required electronic-notary journal and audio-video records.
Step 1: Make Sure You Qualify to Be a New York Notary
Your first step toward becoming a New York online notary is qualifying for a New York notary commission.
New York applicants generally must be at least 18 years old and must either be a New York State resident or have an office or place of business within New York State. Applicants must also satisfy the state's other eligibility requirements for appointment as a notary public.
If you already hold an active New York traditional notary commission, you can move ahead with the electronic-notary registration process rather than starting the notary qualification process from scratch.
Step 2: Pass the New York Notary Public Examination
Most new New York notary applicants must pass the state's written Notary Public Examination before applying for a commission.
The current New York State written-exam fee is $15 per examination.
New York State attorneys and qualifying court clerks of the Unified Court System are exempt from the examination requirement.
Step 3: Complete Your Oath of Office
Before submitting your New York notary application, complete the state's Oath of Office form.
For an online application, New York instructs applicants to have a scanned PDF copy of the completed Oath of Office available for upload. Make sure the information on your Oath of Office matches the information used in your application.
Step 4: Apply Through New York Business Express
New York notary applications are available online through New York Business Express. You'll need a NY.gov account to use the online application system.
New York currently charges a $60 initial notary application fee.
The online system allows applicants to select the appropriate commission type, including an electronic notary application.
If you are already a traditional New York notary and want to become an electronic notary, use New York Business Express to apply for an Electronic Notary Public commission and register your capability to perform electronic notarial acts.
Step 5: Register to Perform Electronic Notarial Acts
A regular New York notary commission alone does not authorize you to begin performing electronic notarizations. Before performing an electronic notarial act, you must register the capability to notarize electronically with the New York Secretary of State.
New York regulations currently set a $60 electronic-notary registration fee.
Registration includes information concerning your commission and the technology you will use for your electronic signature.
How Much Does It Cost to Become an Online Notary in New York?
| New York Requirement | Current State Fee / Amount |
|---|---|
| Written Notary Examination | $15 per exam, unless exempt |
| Initial Notary Application | $60 |
| Electronic Notarial Acts Registration | $60 |
| E&O Insurance | Not required by New York State |
Technology, digital certificate, software, internet, equipment, or platform expenses are separate from New York State fees and may vary by provider.
Step 6: Understand New York's E&O Insurance Requirement
New York State-Required E&O Insurance Amount: None
New York's current notary application requirements and electronic notary regulations do not require a specific Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance policy or minimum coverage amount in order to receive a New York notary commission or register to perform electronic notarizations.
This is different from a private platform, employer, contracting company, or other organization choosing to impose its own insurance requirements. When discussing New York's state requirement, however, there is currently no required E&O coverage amount.
Step 7: Obtain a Compliant Digital Certificate and Electronic Signature
New York electronic notaries must use a reliable electronic signature when notarizing electronic records.
Under New York's electronic-notary regulations, the electronic signature must be attached or logically associated with the electronic record using a digital certificate that utilizes public key infrastructure (PKI). It must also be independently verifiable, remain under the notary's control, and make subsequent changes to the notarized record detectable.
Your technology provider can help you determine the digital credential and electronic-signature setup needed to perform compliant electronic notarizations.
Step 8: Submit Your Electronic Notary Exemplar
New York requires an exemplar for electronic notaries.
According to the New York Department of State, the exemplar should include your electronic signature and seal, along with information about your digital credential service provider. A typed signature is not accepted as your electronic-signature exemplar.
After your electronic-notary commission has been issued, log in to your New York Business Express account and use the state's Start Exemplar Application process to submit it.
Step 9: Choose Technology That Meets New York's RON Requirements
New York does not certify or endorse one specific remote online notarization platform. Instead, the notary is responsible for using technology that meets the state's requirements.
The technology used for a remote electronic notarization must support real-time audio-video communication and New York's security, identity-verification, document-integrity, and recording requirements.
Depending on the method used to establish identity, the process may include credential analysis, identity proofing, presentation of acceptable identification, personal knowledge, or an authorized witness-based method.
Before selecting a RON provider, confirm that the provider supports the requirements applicable to New York electronic notaries.
You can also review our New York online notary requirements for information about getting started with Online Notary Center.
Step 10: Follow New York's Identity-Verification Rules
When the signer appears remotely, a New York electronic notary must be able to see and communicate with the signer in real time.
New York permits several methods of establishing satisfactory evidence of a signer's identity, including personal knowledge and approved technology-based methods involving identification, credential analysis, and identity proofing.
The notarization platform and processes you use should support the particular identity-verification method being used for the transaction.
Step 11: Keep Your New York Electronic Notary Journal and Recordings
Recordkeeping is a major part of New York notary compliance.
New York requires notaries to maintain records of their notarial acts. Electronic-notary records must include additional information concerning the communication technology and verification providers used.
For remote electronic notarizations, the electronic notary must also preserve the required audio-video recording of the transaction.
Step 12: Perform Remote Online Notarizations From Within New York
Once your New York electronic-notary commission and registration are active, your electronic signature and exemplar are properly set up, and your technology meets state requirements, you can begin performing authorized electronic notarizations.
Remember one of New York's most important rules: you, the notary, must be physically located in New York State when you perform the electronic notarial act.
The signer may be located somewhere else. If the signer is outside the United States, the transaction must satisfy New York's additional statutory requirements connecting the document or transaction to the United States.
How Much Can a New York Online Notary Charge?
New York currently permits an electronic notary to charge up to $25 per electronic notarial act.
The fee applies to each electronic notarial act performed, even when multiple notarial acts occur during the same electronic session.
New York Online Notary Checklist
- Confirm you meet New York notary eligibility rules.
- Pass the written notary exam unless exempt.
- Complete your Oath of Office.
- Create or sign in to your NY.gov account.
- Submit your New York notary application.
- Register to perform electronic notarial acts.
- Set up your PKI-based digital certificate/electronic signature.
- Submit your electronic-notary exemplar.
- Use technology that meets New York electronic-notary requirements.
- Follow the required identity-verification procedures.
- Maintain your journal and required recordings for at least 10 years.
- Perform electronic notarizations while physically located in New York.
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming an Online Notary in New York
Does New York allow remote online notarization?
Yes. Registered New York electronic notaries may perform authorized electronic notarial acts remotely using communication technology that meets New York requirements.
Does a New York online notary need E&O insurance?
New York State does not currently require E&O insurance or set a minimum E&O coverage amount as a condition of becoming a notary or registering as an electronic notary.
Does the New York online notary have to be physically in New York?
Yes. The electronic notary must be physically located within New York State when performing the electronic notarial act.
Does the signer have to be in New York?
No. The signer may be located outside New York. Additional rules apply if the signer is located outside the United States.
How long must New York electronic notary records be kept?
New York requires applicable notarial records and required audio-video recordings of electronic notarizations to be retained for at least 10 years.
How much can a New York electronic notary charge?
New York currently permits an electronic notary to charge up to $25 for each electronic notarial act performed.
Does New York approve specific online notary platforms?
New York does not certify or recommend one particular platform. Electronic notaries are responsible for selecting technology that complies with applicable New York requirements.
Ready to Become an Online Notary in New York?
Once you've completed New York's electronic-notary requirements, the next step is getting your online notarization workflow ready.
Review Online Notary Center's New York notary information and learn how our platform can fit into your remote notarization workflow.
View New York Notary RequirementsOfficial New York Notary Resources
Notary laws, regulations, fees, and application procedures can change. Before applying or performing an electronic notarization, verify current requirements with the New York Department of State.