What Do I Need to Sign My Healthcare Proxy in New York?
Witness, notary, and remote online notarization (RON) requirements for healthcare proxies in New York.
Frequently Asked Questions
New York requires 2 witnesses for a healthcare proxy.NY PHL § 2981Verified Jul 15, 2026 Witnesses cannot be: The person named as your healthcare agent. Witnesses must be at least 18 years old.
Notarization is not required for a healthcare proxy to be valid in New York.NY PHL § 2981Verified Jul 15, 2026
New York has authorized Remote Online Notarization for many documents, but healthcare proxies are specifically excluded.NY PHL § 2981Verified Jul 15, 2026 In-person notarization is required.
To execute a healthcare proxy in New York: Find 2 adults to serve as witnesses. Review witness restrictions to ensure eligibility. Give copies to your healthcare agent and doctors. Wet signature and in-person signing required
Yes. New York has an explicit reciprocity statuteN.Y. Pub. Health Law § 2990Verified Jul 15, 2026: a healthcare directive executed in another state is honored in New York if it was valid where signed. New York recognizes healthcare proxies executed in other states if valid where executed. The document portability tool covers reciprocity rules in detail.
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