Bulletin: NY000690

Dear Associates:

Kindly allow this Bulletin to serve as a guideline to what Stewart Title Insurance Company (“STIC”) is requiring from its policy-issuing offices engaging in remote online notarization (“RON”) transactions. RON regulations became effective January 31, 2023 in NYS and questions have arisen regarding the RON platform providers’ ability to comply with NY’s regulations. The NYS Department of State (“DOS”) does not “certify” RON providers but rather leaves it to the notaries to use a platform provider that complies with DOS regulations. The regulations may be found at 19 NYCRR, Chapter V, Subchapter E, Part 182.2-182.11.

The following is required:

1: The agent/office should have a subscription with an approved STG/STIC notary vendor. A list of the current vendors approved for both STG and STIC may be found here: https://www.virtualunderwriter.com/en/ron.html)

2: In addition thereto, the agent/office should receive an additional affirmative representation that the Notary vendors’ platform is compliant with NYS Regulations, including an affirmative representation that the platform provider meets the NIST IAL2 standard set forth in the above referenced regulation.  Said verification may be represented by the notary vendors platform either in the subscription documentation/agreement or by a separate, dated representation from the platform provider.

3: The resulting document(s) executed and notarized via the RON platform must comply with all clerk/register state and local laws and regulations regarding recordability. 

Please visit the NYSDOS website for additional information: https://dos.ny.gov/notary-public#remote-notarization-faqs

In the event you have any questions, kindly contact Stewart Title Legal Services for guidance at 212-922-0050.

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