MISMO Certifies First Two Remote Online Notary Products
July 9, 2020
Notarize and eNotaryLog became the first two companies to complete MISMO's new remote online notarization (RON) certification program. RON certification provides assurance that products fulfill the requirements of the MISMO RON standards.
"Real estate transactions continue to close during the COVID-19 pandemic because of advancements in digital mortgage technology, including the increased adoption of remote online notarization as a safe and convenient option," said Mike Fratantoni, president of MISMO and chief economist for the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA). "MISMO congratulates eNotaryLog and Notarize for completing the RON certification program. Their commitment to expanding digital offerings to the industry are appreciated, especially as their products enable social distancing during the pandemic. MISMO encourages all product providers to expand the integrity and availability of eMortgages by obtaining their MISMO certification."
Announced in April, MISMO's RON Software Compliance Certification Program is designed to increase adoption of RON-enabled digital mortgage closings and support the integrity and scalability of eMortgages. The program provides assurances that RON technology providers will meet a common set of standards; reduces or eliminates the burden of individual assessment, certification, and approval processes of RON providers; and gives a consistent assessment process across all providers.
"eNotaryLog stresses the importance of using standards and industry best practices. We leverage the broader knowledge and expertise of the market to build our products and are excited to become a MISMO certified RON platform," said Joseph Bisaillon, co-founder and chief technology officer at eNotaryLog. "It is important for the industry to have standards by which organizations can be assured that the products they are reviewing meet a minimum standard. MISMO continues to provide value to the ecosystem by building such standards and best practices for the community."
"As RON legislation passes and use accelerates, it is imperative to set industry standards for remote, digital closings," said Pat Kinsel, CEO of Notarize. "Notarize being certified by MISMO is an important milestone - it's exciting to be on the frontlines as the mortgage industry leaps to adopt the digital processes it's so long desired. We thank MISMO for their leadership."
MISMO's online Digital Mortgage Resource Center maintains a list of RON providers that have obtained the MISMO RON Certification. eNotaryLog, certified on May 27, and Notarize, certified on July 2, are currently the only two companies whose RON products have completed the MISMO RON Certification process. All certified RON providers will receive a "MISMO Compliant for RON Standards" seal that can be displayed on the RON provider's website and marketing materials, pursuant to additional usage terms and conditions set forth by MISMO.
Released in 2019, MISMO's RON standards provide a common set of requirements, including credential analysis, borrower identification, capturing and maintaining a recording of the notary process electronically, audio and video requirements, record storage and audit trails.
Earlier this year, ALTA announced its Title & Settlement Agent Registry (ALTA Registry) can now identify title and settlement companies that can perform RON closings. This will help mortgage companies identify closing companies that offer this increasingly in-demand service, which allows homeowners to review, sign and notarize documents online to complete mortgage transactions. Closing companies that offer RON will be designated with a small graphic icon, making them easy to identify in the ALTA Registry, which is also fully searchable. The registry is offered to mortgage companies on a subscription basis. Click here to update or create your ALTA Registry listing.
Contact ALTA at 202-296-3671 or communications@alta.org.