Notarize Congratulates Senators Warner and Cramer on the Introduction of the SECURE Notarization Act of 2021

Today Notarize congratulates Senators Cramer (R-ND) and Warner (D-VA) for their leadership in the introduction of S. 1625, the Securing and Enabling Commerce Using Remote and Electronic Notarize Act of 2021 (SECURE Notarization Act of 2021) to ensure that remote online notarization (RON) becomes permanent practice across the U.S.

Since Notarize pioneered the technology in 2015, RON has been a transformative technology that digitized the notarial act, but the pandemic accelerated the need for its universal acceptance across the US. To date, 34 states have passed remote online notarization (RON) legislation and in the early days of the pandemic, others authorized temporary remote notarization measures to keep an integral piece of business and everyday life functional to allow businesses and consumers to continue to operate as normally as possible. Transactions occurred related to real estate, financial services, legal services, automotive, and everyday life, to name a few.

The SECURE Notarization Act of 2021 will further expand acceptance of RON to empower notaries to provide remote transaction options to accommodate consumer needs, which were a necessity in the time of social distancing, but are now essential beyond the COVID crisis. Even in a post-pandemic world, every American deserves access to safe and secure digital services.

Those who lack access to internet connectivity, technical skills, or affordable devices are being left behind by an increasingly digital society. All consumers and communities should have the option to use digital services and platforms, like Notarize and RON.

With the temporary measures either set to expire imminently or failing to provide the adequate anti-fraud, safety, and security feature of RON, the federal government should provide a standardized baseline for Americans to continue to access RON. The SECURE Notarization Act of 2021 would allow for immediate utilization of RON nationwide. It provides minimum standards to ensure consumer protection remains a feature of RON. It also reiterates the fundamental principle of interstate commerce to further guarantee the acceptance and utility of notarizations across jurisdictions. States would be able to supplement the provisions established by the SECURE Notarization Act of 2021, but the establishment of these national standards is critical in safeguarding remote notarization for the future.

Notarize is proud to be part of a larger coalition with the American Land Title Association, Mortgage Bankers Association, National Association of Realtors, Electronic Signatures and Records Association among others in supporting Senators Warner and Cramer in their efforts to make this critical legislation a reality to enhance the lives of all Americans.