In 2019, BNN Services pioneered the way for Remote Online Notarization (RON) which gives legally commissioned notary publics the authority to conduct notarizations over the internet using digital audio and video technology. Today, the benefits of using RON are immense. Adobe states the four most notable benefits as:
At the start, industry experts predicted it would take approximately ten years for RON and the industry to revolutionize. Fast forward to 2022, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated this movement, and virtual real estate closings have become mainstream in most states, allowing the closing process to appease agents and consumers alike.
Currently, the use of RON is legal on a state-by-state basis. According to the National Notary Association, pre- to post-pandemic, 22 to 43 states have implemented laws permanently allowing RON to take place at virtual closings. In July 2022, the House passed the Secure Notarization Act, allowing nationwide notaries to perform RON. This bill is now in the hands of the Senate, awaiting deliberation.
Several states have yet to pass legislation for RON. While some of these states are close to implementing such laws, others claim they need to learn more about the process and innovation. The State of California’s legislature is stalling due to multiple concerns. California Assemblymember Frank Bigelow explains, “while remote online notarizations of documents could benefit California consumers, unfortunately, there are several unresolved issues with the measure.”
The California Association of Realtors and the California Land Title Association have argued that trying to ban out-of-state notaries may be unconstitutional. Their claim references Interstate Recognition, which is based on 100+ years of state law, common law, and a constitutional framework that allows notarizations to be accepted across all 50 states.
The State of Georgia is on its third attempt to pass the bill. Issues legalizing RON are due to complications with current laws requiring a closing attorney to be present for all real estate closings. Georgia lawyers fear that if RON becomes legal, large national real estate companies will dominate the closing process and eliminate the need for local attorneys.
Are you ready to adopt RON for your title or real estate agency, or do you need additional information before forming an opinion?
A Better Way to Close with BNN Services
Since 2008, BNN Services has been trusted by title agencies, mortgage lenders, servicers, and consumers to perform loan and document signings in multiple languages across the country.
Unlike other signing services, BNN Services “touches” every file 8 to 9 times, ensuring the process moves forward free of delays. That is why we have completed over 250,000 signings in all 51 jurisdictions and maintained a closing ratio of 96 percent.
Ready to experience the BNN Services Difference? Get started today!
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