Today, more businesses are switching to remote work due to the continuing pandemic. This has led federal and state governments to transition into fully electronic processes to keep local businesses operating. As of March 18, 2020, Senate Bill 3533 was introduced as bipartisan legislation to authorize and establish minimum standards for electronic and remote notarizations.
The Securing and Enabling Commerce Using Remote and Electronic Notarization Act (SECURE) of 2020 allows banks, law firms, and other businesses to process important transactions like estate planning storage that require a notary seal and signatures remotely. This is made possible through the use of online video and audio technology.
So, what’s the difference between electronic and remote notarization?
Electronic notarization enables important documents to be signed and notarized digitally, provided that the signer and person who will notarize the document are present in the same room. Meanwhile, remote notarization does so without the need of being physically present in the same room.
As a result, individuals can now process and notarize estate planning documents remotely without the need to meet in person. Additionally, you can store digital assets online through the services of a company like Life Snapshot, Inc. for a more streamlined transaction.
Which states have passed remote online notarization?
From Alabama to Virginia, several states have already passed remote online notarization. According to ACTEC, some states have issued emergency proclamations, orders, or bills that allow temporary use of audio and video technology to notarize vital documents remotely.
Do you need to notarize your estate planning documents remotely? Contact us once you have your files in order and let us secure your assets – web-application in Chicago, Illinois, and to learn more detailed information.