Remote Online Notarization in New York: The Complete 2026 Guide
New York permanently authorized Remote Online Notarization in January 2023. You can now get documents notarized via video call without leaving home. Here is exactly how it works, what you need, what it costs, and when to use it vs. an in-person notary.
What Remote Online Notarization Is
Remote Online Notarization (RON) allows a commissioned NY notary to notarize documents via live, two-way video call. The signer can be anywhere, though a signer outside the United States may only use it for records connected to a U.S. matter, property or transaction. The notary must be physically in New York at the time of the session.
Unlike "remote ink notarization" (where paper documents are mailed), RON involves electronic documents and electronic signatures and seals. The entire process happens digitally, including identity verification, document signing, and notarial certification. The result is a tamper-evident electronic document that carries the same legal weight as a physically notarized original.
What You Need to Get a NY RON Notarization
Device with camera and microphone
Smartphone, tablet, or laptop. The camera must be functional and clear enough to show your ID.
Stable internet connection
A dropped connection mid-session may invalidate the attempt. Use WiFi rather than cellular data if possible.
Current government-issued photo ID
US passport, driver's license, or state ID. You will need to upload or photograph it and hold it up to the camera.
The document to be notarized
In electronic format. Most RON platforms accept PDF. The document must be complete with no blank spaces before the session.
Third-party identity check
Unless the notary personally knows you, a third-party service must verify your identity. Have your ID and personal details handy.
The RON Process: What Happens Step by Step
Schedule or connect with a RON notary
Find a NY notary who offers RON via our directory or a dedicated RON platform such as Notarize.com or DocuSign Notary. Some offer on-demand sessions; others require scheduling.
Complete identity verification on your own
Unless the notary personally knows you, NY rules (19 NYCRR 182.5) require three checks: (1) you show the front and back of your government-issued ID on camera, (2) a credential analysis service confirms the ID is genuine, and (3) a third-party identity proofing service verifies who you are.
Join the live video session
Connect with the notary via live audio-visual call. The notary will confirm your identity was verified, review the document with you, and guide you through the signing.
Sign the document electronically
Apply your electronic signature to the document in real time during the video session. The notary witnesses the electronic signing.
Notary applies electronic seal
The notary applies their electronic signature (a seal image is optional under Executive Law §135-c). The session is recorded in its entirety and must be retained for 10 years.
Receive your completed document
The completed, notarized electronic document is delivered to you via the platform. It is tamper-evident and legally equivalent to a physically notarized document under NY law.
RON vs In-Person: When to Use Each
Use RON When
- +You cannot meet a notary in person
- +The signer is in a different state or country
- +You need notarization outside of business hours
- +The receiving party accepts RON documents
- +You want a convenient, same-day option
- +The document is already in electronic format
Use In-Person When
- -The receiving party requires in-person notarization
- -The document is a will or health care proxy
- -You cannot pass the platform's identity verification
- -The document requires witnesses in addition to notary
- -The signer has limited technology access
- -The receiving office requires a wet-ink original
RON Cost in New York
The NY statutory maximum fee for RON is $25 per notarial act. Most RON platforms charge exactly $25 per document for a single signer. This compares to $2 per act (plus travel) for an in-person notarization.
For most standard documents with one or two signers, RON costs $25 to $50. For complex documents requiring multiple notarial acts, the cost can be higher. Compare this to the total cost of a mobile notary visit, which ranges from $75 to $200+ in NYC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Independent educational resource · Not affiliated with the NY Department of State
NY Notary Hub is an independent educational resource for New York notaries and exam candidates. Our articles are researched from the official NY Department of State Notary Public License Law booklet and DOS guidance. This content is educational and is not legal advice.
Last reviewed: May 2026. Source: NY DOS Notary Public page and Executive Law §135-c and 19 NYCRR Part 182 (NY RON law).