NYS - New York State Notary Electronic and Remote Notarization Questions and Answers

Question 1

A New York notary public who is registered to perform electronic notarizations is conducting a remote notarial act. According to NY Executive Law § 135-c, which of the following is a strict requirement regarding the physical location of the parties?

Accepted Answer

The notary must be physically located in New York State, but the signer can be located outside of the state.

Answer

New York Executive Law § 135-c requires that the electronic notary public must be physically present in New York State at the time of the notarial act. The law allows the signer (principal) to be located outside of New York, even outside the United States in certain circumstances.

Question 2

Under the regulations for electronic notarization in New York, a notary must create and maintain a recording of each remote notarial act. For what minimum period must this audio-visual recording be retained?

Accepted Answer

For 10 years from the date of the notarial act.

Answer

New York State law mandates that an electronic notary must make and keep an audio-visual recording of the entire electronic notarization session. This recording, along with a backup, must be retained for a minimum of 10 years.

Question 3

Which of the following methods of notarization was temporarily permitted during the COVID-19 pandemic but was officially REPEALED and is no longer authorized in New York State as of January 31, 2023?

Accepted Answer

Remote Ink Notarization (RIN).

Answer

Remote Ink Notarization (RIN), a process where a signer would wet-ink sign a paper document and then transmit it to a remote notary, was authorized temporarily but was repealed when the permanent electronic notarization law (Executive Law § 135-c) took full effect. As of January 31, 2023, RIN is no longer a permitted practice in New York.

Question 4

A client, who is physically located in another country, needs a document notarized for a property transaction within the United States. A New York electronic notary is arranging a remote session. What must the notary do in this specific scenario?

Accepted Answer

Verify through verbal confirmation from the signer that the transaction is connected with the United States.

Answer

New York law permits electronic notarization for signers located outside of the United States, provided the notary verbally confirms with the signer during the recorded session that the record or subject of the notarial act involves property located in the U.S. or is a transaction substantially connected with the United States.

Question 5

To become registered as an electronic notary in New York, a person must first hold a commission as a traditional notary public. What is the next step they must take?

Accepted Answer

Register their capability to perform electronic notarizations with the Department of State.

Answer

After obtaining a traditional notary commission, the next required step is to formally register with the New York Department of State the capability to perform electronic notarial acts. This involves an online application process and payment of a fee.

NYS - New York State Notary Exam Practice Test

NYS - New York State Notary Exam Practice Test

NYS - New York State Notary Electronic and Remote Notarization Questions and Answers