Pennsylvania Passes Remote Online Notarization Bill

Pennsylvania has made its temporary remote notarization laws permanent, becoming the 31st state overall to pass online notarization legislation. Governor Tom Wolf signed House Bill 2370 on October 29, 2020, resulting in 2020 Act 97. The bill, which went into immediate effect, allows the 114,000 notaries in Pennsylvania to conduct notarizations remotely, ensuring their ability to work from the comfort and safety of their homes.

Representative Mark K. Keller, the primary sponsor of the bill, emphasized that the legislation doesn't replace notaries or change the services they provide. Instead, it provides an authorized way of conducting business when individuals cannot be physically present.

Pennsylvania joins seven other states that passed online notarization legislation in 2020, including Missouri, Hawaii, Colorado, Oregon, Wisconsin, Alaska, North Carolina, and Louisiana. The move reflects the increasing adoption of remote solutions to facilitate essential services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Notaries in Pennsylvania are encouraged to contact the Pennsylvania Secretary of State's Office for any questions regarding the commission process or expectations as online notaries.