Remote Online Notarization – Part Two
It’s Christmas come early in Virginia this year. As of July 1, 2024, attorneys in Virginia can officially (and permanently!) use electronic signatures to sign pleadings in Virginia’s state courts. It only took twenty-plus...more
In 2020, North Carolina passed a temporary law authorizing Emergency Video Notarization (“EVN”) to alleviate the requirement that notaries be in the physical presence of signers during the COVID-19 pandemic. This law was set...more
Prior to the enactment of the temporary Emergency Video Notarization law in 2020, all notaries were required to be in the physical presence of signers—even during electronic notarization. The physical presence requirement of...more
Remote electronic notarization is now permanent in the state of New York, and notaries who register with the Department of State beginning Feb. 1, 2023, and comply with the new rules, will be able to perform electronic...more
Since the COVID-19 pandemic upended life as we knew it, the use of remote communication and collaborative technologies have become a permanent addition to everything; from schools to workplaces and everything in between....more
Recently, the House of Representatives passed the SECURE Notarization Act of 2022 (H.R. 3962). The legislation that creates federal minimum standards to allow notaries in all states to perform remote online notarization...more
Last week, Governor Cooper signed House Bill 776 that permanently codifies remote online notarization and restores emergency video notarization. Remote Online Notarization (“RON”) will become effective on July 1, 2023, and...more
On December 22, New York Governor, Kathy Hochul, signed Senate Bill 1780C (S1780C), which allows the state’s notaries to conduct remote online notarizations (RON). The law is to be effective on June 20, 2022. Among other...more
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many states implemented temporary measures allowing public notaries to perform notarial acts virtually. Over a year and a half after the initial states of emergency were instituted, some...more
A New Bill Could Allow Digital Closings Nationwide "Dubbed the SECURE Notarization Act, the bill would allow for remote online notarization services nationwide." Why this is important: In the wake of the coronavirus...more
One of the many inconveniences imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic has been the difficulty in obtaining notarization of documents. Yesterday, Secretary of State Dr. Shirley N. Weber held a Zoom hearing to discuss whether remote...more
Digital technologies are paving the way for more convenient and efficient transactions. Paper documents and wet-ink signatures are being replaced by their electronic equivalents, and “in-person” appearances can now be...more
E-Signatures and Remote Online Notarization: The Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (“UETA”) proposed by the Uniform Law Commission (“ULC”) in 1999 presented ways for states to effectuate electronic signatures with the...more
Given the increase in virtual working environments due to COVID-19, many lenders are exploring electronic notarization, remote online notarization (RON), and even electronic signatures. While the pandemic may have spurred...more
This afternoon, the Treasury Department issued Notice 2020-42, ending the uncertainty surrounding spousal consents to retirement plan distributions and loans in the socially distanced COVID-19 world. As plan administrators...more
On March 30, 2020, we released an article which provided a brief overview of Remote Online Notarization (RON). That article also links to several resources that provide updates on the adoption and implementation of RON...more
States are rapidly adapting to social distancing in their approaches to remote notarization. The below chart tracks the steps, special conditions, and considerations on a state-by-state basis. The chart lists states...more
Although the legal world is increasingly (and somewhat reluctantly) relying on electronic documentation, pen-to-paper signatures remain an important part of documenting key business and life decisions and milestones. At least...more
During the healthcare crisis caused by COVID-19, Pennsylvania and New Jersey have temporarily suspended their requirement that notaries be physically present at the execution of certain estate planning documents. For many...more
President Signs New COVID-19 Relief Bill into Law, Funding Additional PPP Loans - The Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act was signed into law by President Donald Trump on April 24, providing $484...more
Notarization and recording are key step in closing transactions, but since the outbreak of COVID-19, these often overlooked components have gained renewed attention due to the difficulty of traditional recording and...more
Pennsylvania and New Jersey have recently enacted remote notarization laws to comport with social distancing and quarantine measures put in place by both states to combat the spread of COVID-19. Knowing the requirements for...more
After some delay, on April 23, 2020, the Massachusetts Senate and House passed emergency legislation that allows for notaries public to use electronic videoconferencing to perform acknowledgements, affirmations, and other...more