NAIFA has joined industry partners in urging congressional support for the SECURE Notarization Act, which would allow businesses and consumers to work remotely with notaries to execute critical documents. Often, signers must currently be in the physical presence of a notary to complete many transactions, including the signing of insurance and financial documents. These may include insurance claim forms, beneficiary request forms, change of ownership documents, affidavits, powers of attorney, living trusts, advance health care directives, and contracts, to name a few.
In a letter to Representatives Brett Guthrie (R-KY) and Frank Pallone (D-NJ), Chair and Ranking Member, respectively, of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, NAIFA and partners urge "strong, bipartisan support for the bill." The legislation passed the House during the 118th Congress but was not advanced by the Senate. Forty-four states have passed laws authorizing remote notarization.
Under the SECURE Notarization Act, consumers and notaries may use two-way audiovisual communication to ensure the legitimacy and security of remote transactions.
"Recent years have demonstrated that technological solutions can enhance accessibility and alleviate burdens for individuals across the United States," the letter says. "Enactment of the SECURE Notarization Act would establish the pathway necessary to more effectively leverage technology to carry out daily activities, including notarizations and other business transactions while maintaining a robust minimum standard of safety and security for consumers and service providers."