Previously, we
blogged about federal and state e-signature and notarization
laws that apply in this time of working remotely from home. On
March 31, 2020, the New York Department of State revised Executive Order 202.7 to clarify the
responsibilities of New York State licensed notaries public.
What are the revisions to the Executive Order?
E-signature Requirements for Notaries
On March 19, 2020, Governor Cuomo issued Executive Order 202.7,
authorizing New York notaries to witness and notarize documents
signed via remote audio-video technology. The initial order created
the impression that notaries could e-sign documents before
returning them to signatories. The recently issued revisions
clarify that a notary "must print and sign the document, in
ink, and may not use an electronic signature to officiate the
document." Additionally, the revisions clarify that
e-signatures can only be attached to those documents affecting real
property, as approved under the
