Albany, NY — State Senator James Skoufis (D-Hudson Valley) and Assemblywoman Nily Rozic (D-Fresh Meadows) announced that legislation they authored has been signed into law by Governor Hochul. The new law will allow for remote electronic notarization with the use of video conference technology.

Limited remote notarization was authorized by Executive Order for the duration of the initial COVID-19 state of emergency. This law will ensure that safe and secure remote electronic notarization can continue on a permanent basis.

"Evolving the antiquated process of notarization isn't just about efficiency or ease -- it's about equity: enabling those who are homebound or otherwise unable to access these necessary services to do so,” said Senator James Skoufis. I am grateful to the many stakeholders who worked on this years-long effort, including Governor Hochul and Assemblywoman Rozic for bringing New York into the 21st century on this important issue."

“Despite the increasing notarizations that occur every year, the industry has not adapted to societal changes and technological advances. Notarization still requires people to be physically present in front of a notary public, despite technology that would allow for the same — or increased — security over video conference calls,” said Assemblywoman Nily Rozic. “Thank you to Governor Hochul for signing this long overdue legislation that will allow all New Yorkers to access notarial services and would allow working people to have their documents notarized without losing wages for lost working hours spent at an in-person notary public.”

“This bill will simplify and streamline complex legal processes for businesses and consumers across the state,” said Kathryn Wylde, President and CEO of the Partnership for New York City. “Thanks to Governor Hochul, Assemblymember Rozic and Senator Skoufis, New York’s business community can meet the growing demand for electronic transactions while keeping consumers protected.”

“We would like to thank Assemblywoman Rozic for helping to lead New York forward through the modernization of the state’s notarial law. With A399B/S1708C, New York is now on the path to bringing remote online notarization to its notaries public. We look forward to working with the state in the regulatory process to ensure that appropriate consumer protections, such as the multi-factor authentication of signers, are established for any remote notarization,” said Nicole Booth, EVP of Public Affairs at Notarize. “Notarize values Assemblywoman Rozic's leadership and support in helping to deliver this important digital service to all New Yorkers.”

Lev Ginsburg, Senior Director of Government Affairs, The Business Council of New York State Inc. said: “During the pandemic, New York State businesses have struggled with a weakened economy and new mandates. However, this common-sense legislation allowed a specific sector to adapt and ensure they could continue transactions regardless of the status of the pandemic. We thank the bill's sponsors, including Assemblymember Rozic and her colleagues' members De La Rosa, Fahy, Seawright, and Otis. We also appreciate the support in the Senate especially from representatives Skoufis, Gounardes, May and Reichlin-Melnick and Otis, as well as Governor Hochul, for signing it into law.”

This legislation comes after a years-long effort and would allow New York to follow over 30 other states that have already authorized remote notarization. The effort was supported by a broad coalition of advocates and organizations including Partnership for NYC, Notarize, New York Credit Union Association, The Business Council, Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association, New York Mortgage Bankers Association, RocketMortgage, Zillow, Mortgage Industry Standards Maintenance Organization, JP Morgan, and Tim Reiniger, American Bar Association Advisor to the Uniform Law Commission’s (ULC) drafting committee for the Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts.