The short answer
The federal ESIGN Act, passed in 2000, applies in all 50 states, New York included. It gives an electronic signature the same legal effect as a signature in ink for most business and personal documents.
New York also has its own law for electronic signatures, the Electronic Signatures and Records Act.
What people commonly sign electronically in New York
Real estate purchase agreements, listing agreements and leases. Loan applications, disclosures and authorizations. Offer letters and onboarding forms. Client contracts, quotes, NDAs and vendor agreements. Permission and consent forms.
Documents that may need special handling
Some documents can have their own rules, such as wills and trusts, some family law papers like divorce and adoption, court orders and filings, certain official notices, and documents that must be notarized or recorded with the county, like deeds. When in doubt, ask an attorney or the office receiving the document.
What makes an electronic signature hold up
Clear intent to sign, agreement to do business electronically, and a record that ties each signature to the document and shows nothing changed afterward.
Every Carta Ink document is sealed with the Carta Seal and a Certificate of Execution listing every signer, every time stamp and a digital fingerprint of the document.
Need it notarized?
Get a document notarized online by live video with Proof, available around the clock from anywhere in New York. Proof charges $25 per notarization, paid directly to Proof.
Send and sign from anywhere in New York
Carta Ink is used all over the United States. Your signers in New York can sign from any phone or computer, with no account and nothing to download. Start free with 10 documents a month.
Questions people ask
Is an electronic signature legally binding in New York?
Yes, for most business and personal documents. The federal ESIGN Act and New York law both recognize electronic signatures.
Can I sign a real estate contract electronically in New York?
In most cases, yes. Purchase agreements and leases are commonly signed electronically. Documents that must be recorded, like deeds, can have their own rules, so check with your title company.
Does the person signing need an account?
No. With Carta Ink, signers open the link, review the document and sign from any phone or computer.
Make your next move official
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More from Carta Ink
Free e-signature, without the fine print · A DocuSign alternative that feels like an experience · E-signature for real estate · E-signature for lending · E-signature for small business · Get a document notarized online · How to sign a PDF online · E-signature laws by state
This page is general information, not legal advice. Carta Ink does not give legal advice. Please talk with an attorney about your specific documents.