It’s finally here: the end of RIN and start of RON in New York. Senate Bill 7780 passed early 2022 and as of this month, remote online notarization is up and running. You’ve waited patiently to become an  Online Notary, but where do you start? For current, commissioned notaries in New York looking for how to become an online notary, the process will be familiar as you apply for your Online Notary commission.

How to Become an Online Notary in New York

Starting on January 31, 2023, Notaries have been able to apply to perform Remote Online Notarizations in New York. In order to become an Online Notary Public in NY, follow the steps below.

1. 1. Have an existing commission as a traditional Notary Public.
   2. Make contract with an electronic technology that meets state requirements.
   3. Complete the application and pay a $60 application fee to the Secretary of State.
   4. Obtain an Electronic Notary Journal.

Once this is finished you should receive a new Approval and Commission Number from New York.  This is your new Electronic Commission number.

How to Obtain your Traditional Notary Commission in New York

1. Learn New York’s Notary Public License Law.
2. Review your test center policies. Don’t forget your ID and the $15 fee.  You will also need to provide your thumbprints.
3. Pass the one-hour NYS Notary Public Examination.
4. Receive your test results in the mail.
5. If you pass your test, you will complete the NY Notary state application. It includes your oath of office that must be notarized.
6. Submit your notarized application. Include the $60 application fee and your original pass slip.
7. Buy your Notary journal.
8. Receive your ID card from the Department of State in the mail.

Online Notary Requirements

Commissioned NY Notaries must

• be at least 18 years old
• reside in the state
• have a high school diploma or GED equivalent
• pass an approved notary course of instruction (with an open book final exam!)
• Obtain any required liability insurance

After you’ve passed all these requirements and filed your application, processing usually takes approximately 2-4 weeks. Once everything is approved, and your oath has been taken, you’ll be commissioned and ready to notarize!

But that’s not the end of your journey. To perform eNotarizations, New York will require a second, RON commission.

The Details – Become an Online Notary

So why not become an  Online Notary? Moving online opens up an entirely new revenue stream. And one you can cultivate from home! Adding Online Notarization to your services gives your clients convenience and keeps them coming back.

While the Online Notary is still legally required to be in the State of New York physically, the signers can be anywhere! New York caps Online Notarization costs at $25 per eSeal, but that doesn’t include any additional digital certificate fees, eClosing costs, and/or any other fees you may charge.

New York notaries are appointed by the Secretary of State, local counties maintain commission records. After receiving and approving an applicant for a notary public commission, the Secretary of State provides a copy of the application information and the signature of the notary public to the appropriate county clerk.

What are the responsibilities of NY Online Notaries?

• Verify the identity of the signer
• Maintain a logbook and all audio/video recordings for ten (10) years

How can an Online Notary verify IDs?

1. Personal knowledge of the signer;
2. via communication technology that facilitates remote presentation by the signer of an official, acceptable form of ID, credential analysis, and identity proofing; or
3. through oath or affirmation of a witness who personally knows the signer, and who is either personally known to the notary or identified by the previously referenced means of communication technology.

What is maintained in an Online Notary’s journal?

1.  the date, approximate time, and type of notarial acts performed
2   the name and address of any individuals for whom a notarial act was performed
3.  the number and type of notarial services provided
4. the type of credential used to identify the principal, including, for verification made where a notary relies on the oath or affirmation of two witnesses who identify themselves with a valid government issued ID and who know the document signer personally, the names of the witnesses and, if applicable, the type of credential used;
5. the verification procedures used for any personal appearance before the notary public;
6.  for electronic notarial acts, identification of the communication technology, certification authority, and verification providers used; and
7.  an actual audio/video recording of the act.

That’s where BlueNotary comes in! We use KBA Biometrics to verify the identities of all customers on the site. And all records are automatically archived for 10 years! So you don’t need to worry about complying with State communication technology requirements; We’ve got your back.

General Questions About Online Notary in New York

1. What electronic technology requirements must platforms meet for approval by online notaries in New York?

In New York, platforms used by online notaries must meet specific requirements, including robust encryption, secure storage, and compliance with NIST guidelines for digital signatures. These standards safeguard privacy and document authenticity, with features like credential analysis and identity proofing.

2. How does KBA Biometrics verify IDs, ensuring security and authenticity?

KBA Biometrics verifies identities by asking individuals personal questions derived from credit history or public records, supplemented by biometric data like fingerprints or facial recognition. This dual-layer approach minimizes fraud risk by authenticating identities through multiple sources, enhancing security and reliability in online notarizations.

3. Are there ongoing training requirements for online notaries in New York?

While not specified in the original blog post, maintaining an online notary commission in New York likely involves staying updated with legal and technological changes. This could include continuing education to ensure competence in state laws, technology standards, and remote notarization best practices, ensuring reliable and compliant services.