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To fight the spread of coronavirus, Notaries in many states are temporarily authorized to perform notarial acts using audio-visual technology instead of requiring the physical presence of the principal signer.
For Notaries whose states have not temporarily waived or suspended the physical presence requirement, American Society of Notaries offers these social distancing procedures for consideration.
Read more: COVID-19 Notarization Procedures - Social Distancing With Physically Present Principals
April 2, 2020 - In effect through June 30, 2020, at which time the Online Notary Public Act becomes operative by its own terms. These emergency regulations will be replaced with codified regulations.
The Nebraska Secretary of State has adopted emergency rules effective April 2, 2020 to immediately implement Nebraska’s Online Notary Public Act, Neb. Rev. Stat. §§64-401 through 64-418. The emergency rules temporarily lift some requirements of law (for example, under the rule an Online Notary Public applicant need not take an approved course as a condition of registration, but still must take the course within 30 days of being notified by the Secretary of State that the course is available).
Read more: Nebraska: Emergency Rule, Early Implementation of Online Notary Public Act
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Governor of Alabama has issued a supplemental proclamation that includes a provision allowing Alabama Notaries who are also licensed Alabama attorneys or who are being supervised by a licensed Alabama attorney the use of "videoconferencing programs" for the duration of the public health emergency unless rescinded or extended by proclamation.
Indiana is one of several states that recognizes the value of electronic notarization, giving notaries a structured pathway to offer digital services while maintaining in-person signer presence. If you're a notary public in Indiana, here's what you need to know about performing electronic notarizations.
Artificial intelligence (AI) has become part of daily life, offering efficiency and convenience across industries. But when it comes to notarizations, AI serves as a helpful tool—not a replacement for the human notary public.
Read more: Will AI Replace Notaries? Why AI Could Be a Notary’s Tool—Not Their Competition