Current notary requirements requiring the physical presence of the signer are often impractical, particularly with COVID-19 related distancing practices, CUNA and other organizations wrote Thursday. The organizations wrote in support of the Securing and Enabling Commerce Using Remote and Electronic (SECURE) Notarization Act (H.R. 3962)

H.R. 3962 would allow for the immediate nationwide use of remote online notarization technology, provides certainty for interstate recognition of the technology, and establishes robust consumer protection standards.

“The SECURE Notarization Act provides businesses and consumers with the ability to execute critical documents using two-way audiovisual communication. Current requirements for a signer to physically be in the presence of a Notary are often impractical and sometimes impossible due to social distancing constraints resulting from COVID-19, as well as other barriers including military service or work travel.

H.R. 3962 was introduced by Reps. Madeleine Dean, D-Pa., and Kelly Armstrong, R-N.D. and has more than 90 co-sponsors from both parties.