Michigan Passes Remote Online Notarization Bill

We’re excited to announce that Michigan just passed a remote online notarization bill through both chambers of the Michigan Legislature. The bill is headed to Governor Rick Snyder’s desk to be signed into law.

Like the laws passed in other states, Michigan HB 5811 empowers Michigan notaries to conduct notarizations online for citizens of all 50 states, regardless of where they’re located at the time of the signing – at home or abroad.

This comes on the heels of Minnesota and Vermont passing online notarization bills just last month. And Tennessee, Indiana, Texas, and Nevada all passed similar laws earlier this year.

We are midway through 2018, and it's already been an incredible year for online notary legislation. It’s rare that concepts ever gain sufficient momentum to affect state policy.

Just last May, we celebrated our successful efforts to pass legislation in Texas and Nevada. This year’s momentum has proven those efforts to be a watershed moment, and we’re proud of our work to reach consensus, create a strong model bill that serves consumers and industry alike, and advocate across the country to bring the notarial practice into the modern era.

Notarize has a rich history in Michigan. Just last year, we completed the country’s first-ever online mortgage closing in partnership with Michigan-based United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM). They’ve become the country’s largest wholesale lender by empowering mortgage brokers across the country with new technologies.

Together, we are the first companies to offer an entirely automated online mortgage experience from application through closing. Fast forward to today, we’re now closing loans for borrowers in more than 20 states. Michigan has a rich history of technology innovation, and we’re proud to play our part.

As we’ve said when other states have passed legislation, we’re thrilled to allow Michigan notaries onto our platform and will open operations as soon as the legislation goes into effect.

It’s clear the country is racing toward online notarizations and online mortgage closings. With thousands of 5-star reviews, more than 3,000 businesses on our platform, and the support from some of the most important companies in America, we see remarkable customer stories every day. But, we aren’t resting on our laurels. We’re committed to providing the best customer experience and industry-leading technology to those who enter the digital age.

As a tiny startup three years ago, we made a bold bet that we could convince the mortgage and title industries, notaries, regulators, and legislators to change everything. It’s remarkable to step back and to realize how much has been accomplished.

We can't wait to open shop in Michigan!