House Passes ALTA-supported SECURE Act
February 28, 2023
The U.S. House of Representatives passed the ALTA-supported SECURE Notarization Act of 2023 (SECURE) on Feb. 27 by a voice vote.
The bipartisan legislation was introduced earlier this month by U.S. Reps. Kelly Armstrong (R-N.D.) and Madeleine Dean (D-Pa.).
SECURE would enable use of remote online notarization (RON) technology by notaries public in interstate commerce and allow signers located outside of the U.S.—such as active-duty military personnel—as well as the elderly and homebuyers with disabilities to securely notarize documents.
The SECURE Notarization Act would:
- Permit immediate nationwide use of remote online notarization (RON)
- Create national minimum standards for its use
- Provide certainty for the interstate recognition of RON
“We are pleased to see momentum on this critically important bill that will modernize the United States’ notarization system once and for all,” said Diane Tomb, ALTA's chief executive officer. “Too many Americans are left behind by our current system, which can delay the execution of important documents—such as closing documents for the purchase of a home—simply because someone is unable to visit a notary in person. We are grateful for the leadership of Representatives Dean and Armstrong in getting this bill through the House.”
SECURE was first introduced in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic increased the need for social distancing and remote options for executing important life documents. It includes requirements for two-way audiovisual communication, multifactor authentication, and tamper-evident technology – critically important security standards that protect consumers.
“Remote Online Notarization offers consumers a convenient way to safely and securely complete documents,” Rep. 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.”
ALTA will now concentrate efforts in the Senate. The House previously passed SECURE two times. Currently, 43 states have enacted laws allowing permanent access to remote online notarization.
Contact ALTA at 202-296-3671 or [email protected].