Right now, getting a document notarized usually means scheduling an in-person visit with a notary public — which can be a real hassle if you're closing on a house, signing a power of attorney, or handling legal paperwork from out of state. This bill would set federal standards allowing notaries to perform their services remotely over video for any transaction that crosses state lines, as long as they verify the signer's identity using at least two independent methods and record the entire session on audio and video for five to ten years. It would also require every state and federal court to recognize notarizations performed in any other state, ending the patchwork of rules that currently makes cross-state notarizations unreliable. States could still set their own stricter standards on top of the federal baseline, and notaries wouldn't be forced to offer remote services if they don't want to. The bill also bans notaries from falsely presenting themselves as immigration consultants — a consumer protection aimed at communities where the term "notario" is sometimes used to mislead people into paying for unauthorized legal services.
Congressional Summary
Securing and Enabling Commerce Using Remote and Electronic Notarization Act of 2025 or the SECURE Notarization Act of 2025 This bill allows a notary public commissioned under state law to remotely notarize electronic records and perform notarizations for remotely located individuals. The bill provides technical requirements for the notarizations, including the creation and retention of video and audio recordings and the use of communication technologies (i.e., video chat).Additionally, the bill requires U.S. courts and states to recognize notarizations—including remote notarizations of electronic records and notarizations of remotely-located individuals—that occur in or affect interstate commerce and are performed by a notary public commissioned under the laws of other states.The bill also allows a notary public to remotely notarize electronic records involving an individual located outside of the United States, subject to certain requirements.
Details
- Congress
- 119th
- Chamber
- Status
- summarized
- Action
- Action Date
- Date Added
- 2026-04-02