The world used to have one kind of notary. You went to a bank lobby, waited your turn, and hoped the person at the desk had time. That model is not gone, but it is no longer the only option.
Two better choices exist now for most New Yorkers: a mobile notary who comes to you, or a Remote Online Notarization session you can complete from your kitchen table. Both are fully legal. Both are secure. The right one depends on the document, the signer, and the moment.
Mobile Notary: In Person, at Your Location
A mobile notary is a commissioned New York notary who travels to you. The signing happens in person, with the notary physically present in the same room. This is the classic notarization experience, updated for convenience.
Mobile is often the right choice when:
- The document is a deed, an original will, or another instrument that a title company, court, or state agency will only accept with a wet signature and physical seal.
- The signer is elderly, ill, in a hospital, or in a care facility.
- Multiple people need to sign in one sitting, or a witness needs to be physically present.
- The signer prefers a face-to-face meeting for something meaningful.
- The receiving party has specifically asked for in-person notarization.
Remote Online Notarization (RON): Fully Online, Anywhere
RON is a notarization performed over a secure, encrypted audio-video connection. The signer and the notary see and hear each other in real time. Identity is verified through credential analysis and knowledge-based authentication, and the signed document carries a tamper-evident digital seal. New York permits RON for most document types under Executive Law § 135-c.
RON is often the right choice when:
- The signer is out of state, out of the country, or traveling.
- Time is tight and travel isn't practical.
- The document will be accepted electronically by the receiving party.
- Mobility, distance, or scheduling makes an in-person visit difficult.
- The signer is comfortable using a camera-enabled device.
Where RON Doesn't Work
A few situations still require in-person notarization. Some deeds and property transfers, some wills, certain foreign consulate documents, and any receiving party who has explicitly required a wet signature will need mobile. If you're unsure, ask the person who requested the notarization what format they'll accept. Most will tell you.
The Cost and Time Trade-Off
Mobile visits usually cost a bit more because travel time is part of what you're paying for. In exchange, you get a face-to-face signing at your kitchen table, hospital room, or office. RON is typically faster and less expensive, and you can often schedule same-day.
The best notarization is the one your document actually needs. Not more. Not less.
Quick Decision Guide
- Deed, original will, or receiving party requires wet ink? Mobile.
- Signer is in a hospital or care facility? Mobile.
- Signer is out of state and document is accepted electronically? RON.
- Same-day, quick document, comfortable with video? RON.
- Multiple in-person signers together in one room? Mobile.
- Not sure? Ask us. We'll tell you honestly which one fits.
Both paths lead to the same result: a properly notarized document you can rely on. The difference is only how you get there. If you'd like help deciding, send us the document type and the receiving party, and we'll recommend the right approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Remote Online Notarization legal in New York?
Yes. Remote Online Notarization is legal in New York under Executive Law section 135-c. The session happens over a secure, encrypted audio-video connection with multi-factor identity verification and a tamper-evident digital seal.
Can a deed be notarized online in New York?
Often not. Many deeds, original wills, and documents that a title company or county clerk will only accept with a wet ink signature require in-person mobile notarization. Always confirm with the receiving party what format they will accept before choosing online notarization.
Is remote online notarization cheaper than a mobile notary?
Usually yes. Remote Online Notarization is typically faster and less expensive because there is no travel involved. A mobile notary costs a bit more because travel time to your location is part of what you are paying for.
Will other states accept a New York remote online notarization?
Most states accept properly executed New York RON documents, but acceptance depends on the receiving party and the document type. When in doubt, ask the person or institution requesting the notarization whether they accept remotely notarized documents.