Mar 25, 2020 by Deidre Woollard
Notarization is a key part of the real estate transaction process. Through notarization, a notary verifies the identity of a document signer through a variety of methods. Traditionally notarization was done in person; however, over the last few years, innovations in technology have led more states to create laws allowing for notarizing through video or other methods.While nearly half of states around the country allow some form of remote online notarization, 55% still don't. As governments ask us to limit in-person contact during the COVID-19 outbreak, many people are wondering how documents, including loan and real estate transfer paperwork, can get notarized. Allowing remote notarization through video or the use of remote notarization services could be the answer.
States look to change laws
A variety of states that did not previously allow remote notarization have been moving quickly to change that.In New Jersey, Measure A-3864, passed by the New Jersey State Senate and Assembly, would allow remote notarization if the notary has personal knowledge of the person's identity, verification of the person's identity by oath or affirmation from a credible witness, and two different types of identity as proof to obtain satisfactory evidence of the person. The notary would be required to make a video of the notarial recording and retain it for 10 years.New York Governor Andrew Cuomo issued an executive order that allows New York notaries to notarize via video. The video cannot be prerecorded, and the person must present valid photo identification during the video conference.Wisconsin's Department of Financial Institutions has authorized remote online notarization through online providers, including Notarize.com and NotaryCam. Wisconsin had a remote notarization law already on the books to take effect on May 1, 2020.New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu signed an executive order on March 23 that allows for remote notarization through audiovisual recording. The notary would be required to keep the recording as long as they are an active notary.
A new bill introduced in the Pennsylvania State Senate on March 23 would also allow for remote notarization. Pennsylvania is one of many states that allows electronic notarization but doesn't have a remote notarization rule in place. Like with the New Jersey rule, the notary would be required to hold on to the recording for 10 years.Lousiana Governor John Bel Edwards has issued a proclamation allowing for remote notarization through video conferencing. As with other states, notaries will be required to keep audio and video proof of the remote notarization for 10 years.A potential national solutionSenators Mark Warner, D-V.A., and Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., introduced the "Securing and Enabling Commerce Using Remote and Electronic (SECURE) Notarization Act of 2020" into the U.S. Senate on March 18. The legislation would make remote online notarizations legal around the country. Every notary in the United States would be allowed to notarize remotely. Multifactor authentication and an audiovisual recording of the notarial act would help prevent fraud.As Senator Warner said on his statement about the bill on his website: "Virginia has safely and securely allowed the use of remote notarizations for years. At a time when most people should be staying at home, there's no reason anyone should have to leave just to get notary services."
North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum has backed the introduction of the SECURE Act. The legislation has been endorsed by the American Land Title Association (ALTA), the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), and the National Association of Realtors (NAR). If it is passed, it could go into effect immediately.
While the U.S. has been moving toward remote notarization for years, state by state, this crisis could be the thing that pushes us toward a national resolution.
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