Yes. A New York State notary who has registered with the state to perform electronic notarizations can also perform traditional, in-person notarizations. The registration adds electronic notarial services; it does not replace the notary’s existing authority to notarize paper documents in person.
The important point is that the two methods use different procedures and produce different document formats. Choose the service based on the document and the requirements of the organization that will receive it.
What “electronic notary” means in New York
New York Executive Law § 135-c allows a properly registered notary to perform electronic notarial acts. This includes remote online notarization (RON), where the signer and notary meet through live audio-video technology and the notarial act is completed on an electronic record.
For a remote electronic notarization, the notary must be physically located in New York State when performing the act. The signer may be in another location. If the signer is outside the United States, the transaction must meet the conditions in the state law.
A notary’s electronic registration is an additional capability. The notary may still meet a signer in person and notarize a paper document using a handwritten signature and traditional notary stamp.
Read New York Executive Law § 135-c and the New York Department of State’s notary information for official requirements.
Three ways a registered notary may perform an act
The document format and whether the signer meets the notary in person determine the service type.
1. Traditional in-person paper notarization
You and the notary meet in person. You sign a paper document in ink, and the notary completes the paper notarial certificate with an official signature and stamp or seal.
This is the standard choice when the receiving organization specifically requests a paper document signed in ink in the notary’s presence.
2. In-person electronic notarization
You and the notary meet in person, but the document and notarial act are electronic. You sign the electronic record, and the notary applies an electronic signature and seal using an authorized process.
This is different from a traditional paper notarization because the completed record is electronic, even though you and the notary are physically together.
3. Remote online notarization
You and the notary meet through a secure, live video session. The document is electronic, and you complete the signing and notarial act through the electronic process.
The notary verifies your identity and follows the required procedures for the technology and record. The certificate must indicate that communication technology was used. New York requires the notary to keep the required record of the remote session.
What changes between electronic and traditional notarization?
The notary’s core role remains the same: perform an authorized notarial act, verify identity as required, and complete the notarial certificate. The steps and resulting document are different.
For remote online notarization, you generally need a device with a camera and microphone, a stable internet connection, acceptable identification, and the final document in the required electronic format. Do not sign ahead of time unless you have been instructed to do so.
A New York electronic notary cannot simply receive a paper document signed in ink remotely and notarize it afterward. That approach is known as remote ink notarization. It is not the current New York remote notarization process. If the document must be signed in ink before a notary, arrange an in-person paper notarization.
When might you need a paper document or wet-ink signature?
New York law permits eligible electronic notarial acts, but a document’s recipient may have its own requirements. A court, bank, lender, title company, government office, foreign authority, or other organization may specify a particular document format.
Before booking, ask the recipient:
- Will you accept an electronically signed and notarized document?
- Do you require an original paper document with a wet-ink signature?
- Will you accept a printed copy of an electronic record?
- Are there special certificate, witness, or filing requirements?
If the recipient requires a wet-ink signature made in the notary’s presence, select a traditional in-person paper notarization. Do not assume that a printed electronic document will meet that requirement.
New York law also provides a process for certifying a tangible paper copy of an electronic record for certain recording purposes. That paper copy is not the same thing as an original paper document signed in ink. Confirm with the receiving office whether it will accept the format you plan to use.
How to request the right notary service
Use these steps to select a service.
- Check the recipient’s requirements. Confirm whether it accepts remote online notarization or requires a paper document and wet-ink signature.
- Choose the document format. Select electronic notarization for an eligible electronic record. Select traditional in-person notarization if you need to sign paper in front of the notary.
- Tell us where you are and how you want to meet. Specify remote, walk-in, or mobile service when requesting an appointment.
- Prepare the document and identification. Bring the complete document and acceptable identification. Leave signature fields unsigned unless the service instructions say otherwise.
- Confirm any additional conditions. Ask about witnesses, certificate wording, the receiving organization’s rules, and whether an apostille or other authentication step is needed.
You can use our booking page to request a service. Review our pricing before proceeding.
Notarization and apostille are separate services
A notarized document is not automatically ready for use in another country. An apostille or other authentication may be required, depending on the document and destination. The correct process can depend on where the document was issued, who signed or notarized it, and which authority will receive it.
If you need certified document authentication for international use, confirm the recipient’s instructions before choosing the notarization format. Ask whether it accepts an electronic notarization and whether the document must be printed or authenticated in a specific way. An apostille is a separate authentication step; it is not the same as notarization.
Request your appointment
Choose the service that matches the document recipient’s requirements:
- Remote online notarization: Request an online notary service for an eligible electronic document.
- Traditional in-person notarization: Request an appointment to sign a paper document in front of the notary.
- In-person electronic notarization: Ask whether an electronic record can be notarized during an in-person appointment.
Provide the document type, your location, preferred appointment method, and any instructions from the receiving organization when you submit your request.
Important: We provide notarial services, not legal advice. We cannot determine whether a specific recipient will accept a document or advise you which legal document to use. Confirm format and filing requirements with the receiving organization or a qualified attorney before your appointment.
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