Gov. Hochul signs the bill permanently legalizing electronic notarization

On December 22, Governor Kathy Hochul has signed the law permanently legalizing remote online notarization (RONs) in New York State. The legislation will help to simplify real estate closing transactions and make this process more COVID safe, especially amid the growing surge in new cases and the Omicron variant. New York will join thirty-four other states that have some form of electronic notarization. 

Previously, Gov. Hochul temporarily authorized the use of online notarizations in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill allows notaries in New York State to use audio and video technology to sign documents remotely. Assemblywoman Nily Rozic and Senator James Skoufis introduced bill S.1780-C permanently authorizing electronic notarizations. The new law received support from real estate organizations such as the Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY) and the New York State Association of REALTORS (NYSAR). 

“We applaud Governor Hochul for taking this important step to modernize and streamline real estate closing transactions, and we thank Senator Skoufis and Assemblymember Rozic for sponsoring the legislation,” REBNY and NYSAR stated. “As the economic activity generated by the real estate industry continues to play a critical role in supporting New York’s long-term recovery, this smart policy approach will help advance that economic progress while also providing a practical solution for hardworking members of the industry.”

Resources:

“Governor Hochul signs legislation regarding electronic notarization,” (NYSAR, 2021)

“The NYSLTA Applauds Governor Hochul and The NY State Legislature On Passage And Signing Of Remote Online Notarization Law,” (Harlem World Magazine, 2021)

“New York state makes remote online notarizations permanent,” by Andrea V. Brambila (inman, 2022)

“Gov. Hochul signs credit union-backed remote notarization legislation into law,” (New York Credit Union Association, 2021)

“REBNY and NYSAR Applaud Governor Hochul for Signing Legislation Regarding Electronic Notarization,” (REBNY, 2021)

“Senate Bill S1780C,” (The New York State Senate, 2021-2022)

“United States: New York Makes Remote Online Notarizations Permanent,” by Moorari K. Shah and A.J. Dhaliwal (Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton, 2022)