New York Online Notarization Guide

It’s finally here: the start of RON in New York. Senate Bill 7780 passed early 2022 and as of this February, New York remote online notarization is up and running. You’ve waited to become an Online Notary, but where do you start?

Luckily, BlueNotary is ready for all New York eNotaries to get started on our platform! We meet all State-set standards and ensure compliance with New York online notarization regulations!

New York Online Notarization

New York Online Notarization – The Basics

What is being asked of online notaries?

eNotaries must uphold the same standards as in person notaries, in addition to some other specific rules. Online notaries can’t just call someone up on any messaging app and notarize something!

Online notarization has to be done via a platform that meets the requirements outlined in the recently adopted Sections 182.2 – 182.11 of Title 19 of the NYCRR.

Can New York online notarization happen on BlueNotary?

BlueNotary rises to NY’s multi-factor identification requirements via KBA biometrics and credential analysis as outlined in the Digital Identity Guidelines incorporated into Title 19.

BlueNotary also provides passkey encryption of unique notary esignatures as well as provides notarial and/or digital certificates. Built in VPN detecting and blocking software keeps everyone in compliance with the newly amended rules.

What are biometrics?

Biometrics, put simply, is a form of security using biological identifiers specific to you. So what are we really talking about here? Biometrics can include fingerprints or facial recognition software.

Does NY Allow Biometrics?

New York uses the Digital Identity Guidelines of the National Institute of Standards and Technology to set the standard for how online notarization identification is going to work. The NIST lists 3 main forms of identification:

1. Something you know (e.g., a password).
2. Something you have (e.g., an ID badge or a cryptographic key).
3. Something you are (e.g., a fingerprint or other biometric data).

New York requires multi-factor authentication (MFA). MFA is exactly what it sounds like – using more than one of the above to confirm your identity.

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
  • Recusal if not appropriate for you to perform the notarial act
How can an Online Notary verify IDs?
  1. Personal knowledge of the signer;
  2. 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
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 notarial act.

That’s where BlueNotary comes in! All event records are automatically archived for 10 years! So you don’t need to worry about being in compliance with State communication technology requirements; We’ve got your back.