Nationwide Use of Remote Online Notarization (RON)
As Congress continues exploring solutions to support consumers and businesses through ongoing economic challenges, new bipartisan efforts are underway to expand access to Remote Online Notarization (RON) nationwide. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Mark Warner (D-VA) introduced Senate Bill S. 3533, while Representatives Madeleine Dean (D-PA) and Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA) introduced House Bill H.R. 6364. Together, these bills aim to establish a national framework for RON, bringing consistent standards and wider availability to all states.
What the Federal Bills Aim to Achieve
These bipartisan bills would allow notaries in states without active RON laws to perform remote online notarizations legally and securely. At the same time, states that already have RON legislation in place would continue operating under their own laws—so long as those laws meet the minimum federal standards outlined in the bills.
Importantly, future RON laws enacted by states would also remain in control within those states, provided they align with the same minimum standards. This respects state authority while offering national consistency that both consumers and industry professionals can rely on.
Alignment with Industry Standards
The minimum requirements proposed in the federal bills align with the widely recognized MBA-ALTA model RON legislation and the MISMO (Mortgage Industry Standards Maintenance Organization) RON Standards. These frameworks emphasize:
- Secure identity verification methods
- Audio-visual session recording
- Tamper-evident technology
- Strong data privacy and security measures
This alignment ensures that federal guidelines strengthen—not replace—the robust best practices already adopted by many states and industries.
A Valuable Tool During National Crises
Remote Online Notarization has proven to be essential during times of crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, when traditional in-person notarizations become challenging or impossible. These federal bills would expand reliable access to RON nationwide, allowing:
- Businesses to continue critical operations
- Consumers to complete legal and financial transactions safely
- Faster, more efficient document execution across state lines
By adopting these bills, Congress would empower notaries, businesses, and consumers with a secure and flexible alternative to traditional notarization.
Encouraging States to Enact Their Own RON Laws
Beyond immediate relief, these federal bills also serve as a powerful catalyst for motivating state legislatures to adopt their own RON laws. Establishing a federal baseline gives states a clear roadmap while preserving their independence to implement additional requirements suited to their own needs.
The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), alongside industry partners, continues to advocate for including these bills in broader emergency relief packages to support the economy during challenging times.
For additional insights and perspectives, industry trade associations have released a detailed op-ed supporting federal RON legislation. You can read more at the Mortgage Bankers Association’s website.
Source:
Mortgage Bankers Association – Nationwide Use of RON
