On March 19, 2020, Governor Cuomo issued an Executive Order (Executive Order 202.7) which temporarily suspends a variety of laws during COVID-19 pandemic in order to facilitate the continuation of business while social distancing measures are observed.

With respect to have a Notary Public witness (notarize) a signature which by law requires the notary and the signatory to be in the same room, the Governors Order now permits a notary public to notarize a signature remotely as long as the notary follows certain procedures set forth in the Order.

In order to assist with compliance with the Order, the New York State Department of State (government agency that licenses Notaries Public in New York State) issued guidance which can be found here.