What are the new notary rules for NYS 2023?

Asked by: Mrs. Antonetta Langosh II  |  Last update: November 3, 2023
Score: 4.4/5 (51 votes)

Significant changes to New York's notary law went into effect in January 2023. The amendments to the New York Executive Law allow for electronic notarization, change the requirements for record-keeping and identity verification, and repeal the remote ink notarization provision enacted during the pandemic.

Does a Will need to be notarized in NYS?

The witnesses must sign your Will at the bottom and place their addresses after their signatures to complete the formality. A notary is not required for a Will in New York State.

Can you still notarize remotely in New York?

Now, with the passage of New York Executive Law Section 135-c, a licensed New York electronic notary public may remotely notarize a signature wherever your client may be – New York, California, the world or the International Space Station.

Can a NYS notary refuse to notarize?

(b) A notary may refuse to perform a notarial act if the notary public is not satisfied that: (1) the principal is competent or has the capacity to execute a record; and/or (2) the principal's signature is knowingly and voluntarily made.

Can I notarize for a family member in New York State?

New York is one of those states that does not specifically prohibit Notaries to notarize for family members, however, if possible, they should decline if asked to do so. It is wise to avoid notarizing documents for family members if possible, as accepting such requests can lead to confusion and potential legal issues.

Notary Logbooks Now required In New York State

36 related questions found

Can I notarize my wife's signature in NY?

A notary public is not permitted to notarize a signature on a document if the signatory is the notary's spouse, son, daughter, mother, or father. Even though some states permit notarization for family members, the practice is highly discouraged regardless due the potential for a conflict of interest.

How much can a notary charge in NY?

A: A notary public may charge a fee of $2.00 for administering an oath or affirmation or for taking an acknowledgment or proof of execution. Unless otherwise authorized by law, a notary fee may not exceed that amount.

Can you notarize on Sunday in NY?

You may find yourself wondering, “can I get something notarized on Sunday?” The answer is yes.

Can I notarize a handwritten document in NY?

As always, if you are concerned about the notarization you can refuse to complete it. The handwritten document would be approached like any other document. The same procedures need to be followed, such as physical presence, no blanks, the name on the ID and the name on the document must match.

What disqualifies you from being a notary in NY?

Theft, grand and petty, including burglary and robbery. Threats to commit a crime involving death or great bodily injury. Violation of Penal Code section 273.5 (domestic violence, spousal abuse, etc.)

Can you notarize over zoom in NY?

Yes, remote online notarization is legal in New York effective January 31, 2023. Introduced on January 15, 2021, Senate 1780 authorizes traditional Notaries to perform electronic notarial acts using communication technology. Notaries must be physically located within the state at the time of the notarization.

Can a notary move to another state but still work in NYS?

A notary public who is a resident of the State and who moves out of the state but still maintains a place of business or an office in New York State does not vacate his or her office as a notary public.

Can you notarize a Docusign signature in New York?

Remote notarization can be by either electronic signature or wet signature (defined as a signature affixed in INK to a PAPER document). The notary public must physically be in New York State at the time of the notarization.

Is a will necessary in NY?

Distribution of assets if there is no will

Assets that pass under the terms of the will—or, in the absence of a will, by intestacy—are referred to as the probate estate. For a New York resident without a will, a surviving spouse inherits the entire probate estate if there are no children or other descendants.

Does a will have to be filed in NY?

The Will must be filed in Surrogate's Court and admitted for probate before the wishes of the person who died can be followed. If the person who died had less than $50,000 of personal property, then a small estate (also called a voluntary administration) can be filed instead.

Do you have to register a will in NY?

In New York, there is no official place to register Wills. If a testator wants, they can file the Will with the Surrogate's Court of the County where they reside for safekeeping. The testator can also keep the Will among their possessions, preferable in a fire proof vault.

Can a NY notary notarize a deed?

The short answer is yes, notary publics are legally allowed to notarize documents from any state as long the notarial act is conducted within the geographical boundaries of the notary's state of commission.

Can you write a letter and have it notarized?

Yes, you may notarize a signature on a document that includes handwritten paragraphs. A document can be typed or handwritten. If the notarial certificate under the signature is not included, be sure to attach a loose certificate chosen by your customer.

Can a notary witness and notarize the same document in NY?

While a notary public may also serve as a document witness to a legal document that they are notarizing, this practice is discouraged. In most cases, a person cannot be both the notary and an impartial witness simultaneously in the performance of a notarial act.

Are NYS notaries required to keep a journal?

Effective immediately, as of January 25, 2023, all notaries are required to keep a journal, also known as “records.” The records must be maintained for TEN years and be capable of being produced to the Secretary of State and others as necessary in relation to the performance of the notary's public obligations.

Is the NY notary test hard?

New York has one of the toughest exams to become a Notary. The Empire State requires notary applicants to undergo and pass an exam with a minimum score of 70 percent to obtain an appointment. However, the state does not require any education, so candidates are on their own to learn the topics covered in the test.

Does NY require a notary seal?

The use of a Notary seal is not required in the state of New York, but a Notary must print, typewrite, or stamp certain information on every notarial certificate. The stamps and embossers listed below fulfill those requirements.

What are the changes to the notary law in New York State?

Significant changes to New York's notary law went into effect in January 2023. The amendments to the New York Executive Law allow for electronic notarization, change the requirements for record-keeping and identity verification, and repeal the remote ink notarization provision enacted during the pandemic.

What is the most a notary can charge?

Most notaries charge by either the document or signature, at a rate of anywhere from $1 to $20.

How many years is a notary good for in New York?

The term of commission is four years. Every person appointed as notary public must, at the time of his or her appointment, be a citizen or permanent resident alien of the United States and either a resident of New York or have an office or place of business in New York State.