In response to the social distancing requirements enacted in response to COVID-19 in New York, on March 19, 2020 Governor Andrew Cuomo issued Executive Law 202.7, which permits a notary public to electronically notarize a document by audio-video communication subject to the following requirements:
– The person seeking the Notary’s services, if not personally known to the Notary, must present valid photo ID to the Notary during the video conference, not merely transmit it prior to or after;
-The video conference must allow for direct interaction between the person and the Notary (e.g. no pre-recorded videos of the person signing);
-The person must affirmatively represent that he or she is physically situated in the State of New York;
-The person must transmit by fax or electronic means a legible copy of the signed document directly to the Notary on the same date it was signed;
-The Notary may notarize the transmitted copy of the document and transmit the same back to the person; and
–The Notary may repeat the notarization of the original signed document as of the date of execution provided the Notary receives such original signed document together with the electronically notarized copy within thirty days after the date of execution.
Please feel free to contact our office if you have any questions or concerns. Stay safe and well during these times and remember to practice social distancing to help eradicate this pandemic.
