SECURE Notarization Act of 2025

If enacted, this bill would set national rules for electronic and remote (online) notarizations. It lets notaries notarize electronic records and help people who aren’t in the same place by using a live audio‑video call. It sets basic guardrails: strong ID checks (by personal knowledge, third‑party checks, or a credible witness), a recorded video of the session kept for years, and electronic documents locked so changes are obvious. Federal courts and all states would need to accept these notarizations when they’re valid where performed or under this law, especially for deals that cross state lines .

Remote video can count as “in‑person” where the law requires it, in specific situations tied to interstate business or official state matters. The bill does not force any notary to use remote tools or a technology they did not choose. Small mistakes in following the tech rules would not automatically void a notarization, and people can still challenge a notarized deal for reasons like fraud, forgery, or duress. States can add rules that fit within these standards (for example, keeping the video recording at least five years and not favoring one vendor’s technology). It also bans misleading ads by notaries, like using the word “notario” or offering legal or immigration help without being a licensed attorney. Remote notarizations while someone is outside the U.S. are allowed only when tied to a U.S. matter and not illegal where the person is located .

Key points

• Who is affected: notaries; people and businesses that need documents notarized; courts and state agencies that rely on notarized documents .
• What changes: allows online notarization with ID checks and a recorded video; records must be kept for years (at least 5, or 10 if state law is silent); courts and states must accept valid notarizations from other states; live video can satisfy “in‑person” in some cases; notaries aren’t required to offer remote notarization; consumer safeguards on false advertising and unauthorized legal/immigration services .