Sworn Documents Filed in Civil Actions in New York State Courts No Longer Need to be Notarized
10/27/2023Beginning January 1, 2024, any person will be able to file an affirmation under penalty of perjury in lieu of a notarized affidavit in any civil action in a New York State court. This change in the law, amending Section 2106 of the New York Civil Practice Law and Rules, signed by Gov. Kathy Hockul, follows the long-standing rule in federal courts that permits the filing of declarations, and laws in more than 20 other states.
The sponsors of the bill stated that this change will relieve unnecessary burdens on litigants and especially those appearing in court without counsel, and provide better access to the courts. New York law already exempted attorneys, osteopaths and dentists, and persons outside the United States from the requirement of submitting notarized affidavits and instead permitted them to file affirmations.
