The House of Representatives advanced Monday the SECURE Notarization Act of 2023, which seeks to update and modernize the nation’s notarization process.
U.S. Reps. Kelly Armstrong (R-ND) and Madeline Dean (D-PA) introduced the legislation on Feb. 22 with 13 bipartisan co-sponsors.
The legislation would enable notaries public to perform Remote Online Notarization (RON) in interstate commerce and allow signers located outside of the United States to securely notarize documents.
Armstrong said that the pandemic highlighted the need to modernize certain activities, including government processes.
“Remote Online Notarization offers consumers a convenient way to safely and securely complete documents,” Armstrong said. “I’m excited to see our legislation receive an overwhelming and bipartisan House vote, and I am hopeful the Senate will agree and pass it to be signed into law.”
Bill proponents maintain that military personnel stationed outside of the United States would be able to securely notarize documents through the measure.
“We know from the pandemic just how crucial online access is for many areas of our life, including notarization — and the SECURE Notarization Act will address the need for an updated online notarization process,” Dean said. “Our common sense, bipartisan bill will help more people, both nationwide and those living outside of the U.S. for military service or other reasons, get their documents notarized safely and remotely. I look forward to its passage.”