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2025 Notary Law Updates
| 2025 Adopted/Enacted Notary Legislation Page Last Updated: December 4, 2025 |
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| ALABAMA— SB 198 Eff. 10-1-25 View this bill Establishes the Alabama Nat’l Guard Legal Services Office and Legal Assistance program. Authorizes judge advocates and paralegals, while performing duties under Title 10 or Title 12, U.S.C., to perform notary actions pursuant to 10 U.S.C. §1044a (or if qualified as a notary public under state law). |
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| ARKANSAS – HB 1479 Effective 8-5-25 View this bill Amends the law concerning scrivener’s affidavits. Allows a licensed engineer, surveyor, or notary public to execute and record a scrivener’s affidavit in certain circumstances. ------------------------------------------ ARKANSAS — HB 1845 See contingent effective date clause. View this bill Amends Arkansas Code §24-14-705(a)(2), by allowing applications for registration and certificate of title for motor vehicles to be signed in pen and ink (existing law) or with an electronic signature (new law). Retains existing law providing that such signatures shall be acknowledged by the owner before a person authorized to administer oaths (including notaries public). (Thus it appears to enable electronic notarization of an application for registration and certificate of title for motor vehicles.) ----------------------------------------- ARKANSAS — SB 584 Eff. 8-5-25 View this bill Amends Arkansas Code Sec. 7-9-103(c) by making it a Class A misdemeanor if a person acting in various capacities—including notary public—accepts or pays money or anything of value for obtaining signatures on a petition when it is known that the name of the person acting as canvasser is not included on the sponsor’s list filed with the Secretary of State or the county clerk [new law text] under Arkansas Code Sec. 7-9-601. ------------------------------------------ ARKANSAS – SB 210 Effective 3/12/25 View this bill Requires the signer to read the ballot title of the petition in the presence of a canvasser; and to declare an emergency. Arkansas Code § 7-9-103(c), concerning misdemeanor offenses for a person acting as a canvasser, notary, sponsor, or agent of a sponsor, is amended to add an additional subdivision to read as follows: (10) As a canvasser, knowingly accepts a signature when the person signing the petition has not read the ballot title of the petition in the presence of the canvasser or the ballot title of the petition has not been read aloud to the person in the presence of the canvasser. |
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| ARIZONA - HB 2344 Effective 8-26-25 View this bill Echoes existing law by stating that, if an entity does not provide an option to notarize documents at a physical location without charge or cost, persons seeking notarial acts may use the services of any notarial officer who is authorized to perform the notarial act pursuant to the laws of the notarial officer’s commissioning state. |
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| CALIFORNIA - AB 2004 Effective 1-1-25 View this bill Excerpt: This bill would authorize a disinterested custodian, as defined, to certify that a tangible copy of an electronic record is a completed and accurate reproduction of the electronic record. The bill would require a recorder to accept for recording a tangible copy of an electronic record that has been so certified by a notary public if specified requirements are met. The bill would state that a tangible copy of an electronic record imparts notice of its contents, as specified, notwithstanding any failure of the person making the certification to qualify as a disinterested custodian. By imposing these requirements, and by expanding the crime of perjury, this bill would impose state-mandated local programs. --------------------------------------------------- CALIFORNIA – AB 2582 Eff. 1-1-25 View this bill Provides that, if a candidate for elective office in California will not be within the State of California within the entire nomination period and is unable to appear before a California notary public to complete their declaration of candidacy, the candidate may appear before a notary public in another state to complete the declaration of candidacy. Requires the candidate to attach, to their declaration of candidacy, the out-of-state notary’s completed notarial certificate that complies with the law governing the out-of-state notary performing the notarial act. ------------------------------------ CALIFORNIA – SB 1525 Eff. 1-1-25 View this bill Amends several sections of California’s Government Code relating to notaries public. These changes are clarifying or technical in nature and affect Government Code Sections 8214.1(q), 8231.8(d)(1), 8231.18(c)(1)(A)(vi), 8231.18(d)(3) and 8231.18(d)(4)(A). |
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| COLORADO — HB 25-1301 Eff. 5-30-25 View this bill Adds certified verbatim reporters and certified verbatim reporters-stenotype to the list of persons with the power to administer oaths or affirmations to witnesses and others concerning a matter, thing, process, or proceeding pending, commenced, or to be commenced before them. Additionally clarifies that these persons have the power to administer all oaths or affirmations of office and other oaths or affirmations required to be taken by a person upon a lawful occation; and to take affidavits and depositions concerning a matter or thing, process or proceeding that is pending or will be commenced in a court; and that they may exercise this power on any occasion an affidavit or deposition is authorized or by law required to be taken. ---------------------------------------- COLORADO – HB 1248 Eff. 1-1-25* View this bill (see bill’s Page 7) Provides that if any Colorado law requires a signature or record to be notarized, acknowledged, verified or made under oath, that requirement is satisfied with respect to an electronic non-testamentary estate planning document, if the individual authorized to perform the notarization, acknowledgment, verification or oath attaches or logically associates their electronic signature on the document together with all other information required to be included under the other law. __________ *HB 1248 Effective Date Clause: “This act takes effect January 1, 2025; except that, if a referendum petition is filed pursuant to Section1(3) of Article V of the State Constitution against this Act or an item, section, or part of this Act within the ninety-day period after final adjournment of the general assembly, then the act, item, section, or part will not take effect unless approved by the people at the general election to be held in November 2024 and, in such case, will take effect on the date of the official declaration of the vote thereon by the governor.” |
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| DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA—DC Act 25-651 (B25-0792, Notarial Acts Clarification Amendment Act of 2024) Effective 3/7/25 View this bill Modifies DC Code’s wording dealing with the language of a document presented to a notarial officer, and whether the officer performs the notarial act. Accomplishes this change by (1) striking from DC’s RULONA the prohibition against notarizing when the notarial officer does not read or understand the language in which the certificate or notarial act is written; and (2) adding, to DC RULONA’s Sec. 1-1231.07, a new subsection (2)(a-1) that a notarial officer may refuse to perform a notarial act if the officer does not read or understand the language of the document being notarized. Further modifies DC’s RULONA Sec. 1.1231.07 by adding a new subsection (2)(a-2) that allows a notarial officer to require a signer to provide a certified translation of the document being notarized. Retains this Section’s permission for a notarial officer to require a signer to provide a certified translation of the document being notarized. Repeals the requirement that a notary report to the Mayor the languages of records the notary intends to notarize. Clarifies that the training course for notary applicants must be approved but not provided by the Mayor. Requires notarial officers to read and write in the same language as the notarial certificate executed by the officer is written, and complements this requirement by permitting a notarial officer to refuse to perform a notarial act if the officer does not read or understand the language of the document being notarized. ---------------------------------------- DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA – DC Law 25-281 Effective 3-7-2025 View this bill Makes various substantive and conforming amendments to the District’s Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts (2018). Amends Act Sec. 1-1231.03(b), by adding a new prohibition that a notarial officer may not perform a notarial act if the officer does not read or understand the language in which the certificate of notarial act is written. Amends Act Sec. 1-1231.07, regarding a notary refusing to perform a notarial act, by adding new provisions: • Allowing a notarial officer to refuse performing a notarial act if the officer does not read or understand the language of the document being notarized. • Allowing a notarial officer to require a signer to provide a certified translation of the document being notarized. Repeals DC Official Code Section 1-1231.19(d)(4). (This section required notary applicants to indicate on a form provided by the Mayor the language(s) of records in which the applicant intended to perform notarial acts; and to be able to read and write in the language of any record on which the applicant performed a notarial act.) Amends DC Official Code Section 1-1231.20(c) with respect to notary training courses, by striking the phrase “provided by the Mayor” and inserting instead, “approved by the Mayor.” Amends DC Official Code Section 1-1231.21(b) by striking/replacing the phrase “notary publics and applicants for endorsement as electronic notaries” with the phrase “notary publics.” |
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| FLORIDA — SB 538 Eff. 7-1-25 View this bill Amends F.S. 92.50 by allowing Florida judges to authenticate certain jurats or certificates of proof or acknowledgment by affixing the judge's signature and printing the judge's name, title, and court. -------------------------------------------------- FLORIDA – HB 915 Effective 7/1/25 View this bill Prohibits notaries public from using the terms “notario público,” “notario,” “immigration assistant,” “immigration consultant,” or “immigration specialist,” or any other designation or title in any language, to describe themselves under certain specified circumstances. Creates F. S. Sec. 117.051. Creates a civil cause of action for declaratory or injunctive relief and to recover damages and attorney fees and costs. Creates F.S. Sec. 501.1391. Requires certain businesses or persons offering immigration services to make a specified disclosure, Creates a civil cause of action for declaratory or injunctive relief and to recover damages and attorney fees and costs. |
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| GEORGIA — HB 327 Eff. 7-1-25 View this bill Explicitly authorizes the electronic notarization of a trust instrument. ----------------------------------------- GEORGIA — SB 153 Eff. 7-1-25 View this bill Amends Georgia Code §45-17-8(e), relating to the powers and duties generally of notaries public, by replacing the term “personal identification card” with “identification card.” ----------------------------------------- GEORGIA - Administrative Rule (Dept of Revenue) 560-1-1-.14 Effective 3/25/25 View these rules Defines “electronic signature,” and “remote notarization.” Clarifies that taxpayers and authorized third party representatives may submit electronic signatures on “certain forms and documents authorized by the DOR Commissioner” through Department regulations, publications, policy bulletins, or other docs accepted as Department guidance. Affirms that the Department will accept remote notarizations from notaries in (other) states where remote notarization is permitted by law on documents that require a notary and are authorized by the Commissioner through Department regulations, publications, policy bulletins, or other documents accepted as Department guidance. --------------------------------------- GEORGIA – Notary Public Education Rules Eff. 1-1-2025 View the rules As authorized under the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA), the Georgia Superior Court Clerks’ Cooperative Authority (GSCCCA) is now required to approve any educational training class related to the appointment and duties of Georgia notaries public. These rules: • State the statutory authority for creation (promulgation) of the rules by the GSCCCA; • State the October 9, 2024 adoption date of the rules by the GSCCCA Board of Directors; • Establish the rules’ effective date of January 1, 2025; Additional Rule Information, Provisions (a) The office, mailing address and contact information for the Georgia Superior Court Clerks’ Cooperative Authority in Atlanta, Georgia. (b) Terminology and definitions, as follows: 1. “Initial Appointment” means the first time an individual is appointed as a notary public or the first appointment after a notary appointment has expired. 2. “Renewal Appointment” means an appointment granted within 30 days prior to expiration of the current appointment. Notary Public Educational Rules for the State of Georgia Rule 1. – GSCCCA Approves Educational Training. Any educational training class related to the duties of Georgia’s notaries public for the purpose of being appointed a notary public shall be approved by the Georgia Superior Court Clerks’ Cooperative Authority. Rule 2. - Certificate of Completion. Upon successful completion of the course, the notary applicant will be provided a certificate of completion. Rule 3. - Presentation of Certificate of Completion to Clerk of Superior Court. The notary applicant seeking an initial or renewal appointment will include a certificate of completion, along with the notary application, to the Clerk of Superior Court. ----------------------------------------- GEORGIA – HB 1292 Relevant Bill Section Eff. 1-1-25 View this bill on GA General Assembly website; select “Current Version.” Amends Titles 44 and 45 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated. Requires that real estate documents presented by “self-filers” (a defined term) be submitted using electronic filing. Requires the promulgation of rules and regulations by the Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority, to ensure that persons presenting electronic documents for recording provide sufficient identifying information. Establishes provisions for maintaining the confidentiality of such information, and that it may be released only to parties specified in the law. Amends existing notary law (OCGA §45-17-8(e)) by specifying that a notary public shall confirm the identity of the document signer, oath taker or affirmant by personal knowledge; or by verification of a government-issued photo identification document, including without limitation a valid driver’s license, personal identification card authorized under Georgia Code Sections 40-5-100 through 40-5-104, or a military identification card such as a Veterans Health Identification Card issued by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Requires that notaries public keep a “written or electronic” journal of each notarial act performed for a “self-filer.” (A “self-filer” is any person who is not also an individual listed in Georgia Code Section 44-2-2(a), and who is a party to any of the following instrument types conveying, transferring, encumbering, or affecting real estate and personal property: deeds, mortgages, liens as provided for by law; maps or plats relating to real estate in the county; and state tax executions and state tax execution renewals as provided for in Article 2 of Chapter 3, Georgia Code Title 48.) Specifies the information to be recorded in each notary journal entry. Requires a notary public to complete an educational training class relating to the duties of notaries public under Georgia law. Specifies that such training shall be completed prior to an individual’s initial commission appointment, and within 30 days prior to each subsequent renewal of commission appointment. Authorizes the Georgia Superior Court Clerks’ Cooperative Authority to adopt rules and regulations necessary to implement the new notary educational training requirement. |
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| ILLINOIS – Administrative Rule (Secretary of State), Part 176 Effective 1/1/25 View these rules (scroll to pdf Page 10); amended text is in blue font/underlined. Makes multiple amendments to current rule text. Expands on current law’s exemption from completing a notary course of study or passing an exam, for the following individuals who are renewing their notary commission: licensed Illinois attorneys in good standing with the ARDC; current Illinois court or federal court judges; and applicants employed by a licensed attorney in good standing with the ARDC or federal court. ----------------------------------------------------------- ILLINOIS – ADMINISTRATIVE RULE, NOTARY PUBLIC RECORDS Effective 1-1-25 View this bill - Pages 584-612 Notary Public Course of Study, Examination • Exempts certain persons renewing their Notary Public commission from completing a course of study or passing an examination, provided the person submits a signed statement using a form designated by the Secretary of State indicating that the renewing person/applicant is a licensed attorney in good standing with the Illinois Attorney Registration and Discipline Commission (“ARDC”), a current Illinois court or federal court judge, or an applicant employed by a licensed attorney in good standing with the ARDC or an Illinois or federal court. Such persons must further state that they have read and understood the version of Illinois’ Notary Public Act in effect at the time of application. Provides a form example (“Illustration C”) for filing this signed statement. Application for a Notary Public and Electronic Notary Public Commission. Revises various rules as follows: • Requires a person applying for an electronic notary public commission to provide a copy of their electronic signature in a format that identifies the electronic notarization system provider that prepared the electronic signature. • Establishes a new option as applicable regarding the forms (documentation) that shall be submitted with an application, which is a signed statement in the format designed by the Secretary of State that the applicant is a licensed attorney in good standing with the ARDC or a current Illinois court or federal court judge or is employed by a licensed attorney in good standing with the ARDC or an Illinois or federal court, and that the applicant has read and understood the version of the Illinois Notary Public Act that is in effect at the time of application (pursuant to 5 ILCS 312/2-101.5(c)). Notarial Acts • Requires a notary public, when signing a paper certificate, to use a legible, recognizable handwritten signature that can be attributed to the notary and is made in blue or black ink. Electronic Notarization System Providers • Creates additional requirements for electronic notarization system providers seeking certification by the Secretary of State, by requiring information submitted to now include a cybersecurity plan outlining security, audit, and other procedures to ensure that the electronic notarization system is secure from cyberattacks, intrusion, and compromise of the user data; a business continuity plan in the case of business interruptions that last longer than two weeks; and a business termination and succession plan in the case of the termination of business by the electronic notarization system provider. • Requires providers, upon request of the Secretary of State, to submit information regarding the operation of their platform that includes, but is not limited to, the number and type of electronic notarizations performed on the platform by Illinois notaries. • Establishes that ceasing of operation as an electronic notarization system provider in Illinois is considered an action warranting decertification or suspension. Notary’s Journal Exempts a notary public or electronic notary public from keeping or maintaining a journal or otherwise recording a notarial act or electronic notarial act, if the act is performed by or on behalf of a candidate for public office and includes certain specified documents. Clarifies additional terms under which this exemption applies. Clarifies that a notary public or electronic notary public who notarizes one of certain specified documents by or on behalf of a candidate for public office, and who does not enter the notarial act or electronic notarial act into a journal, does not violate the section of Illinois’ Notary Public Act specified in 5 ILCS 313/3-107(f), and shall not be subject to discipline. Other Provisions Creates an “Illustration C” form/exhibit in rule pertaining to an exemption from notary public study course requirements. (P590). ---------------------------------------- ILLINOIS – HB 4592 Eff. 1-1-25 View this bill Provides that effective January 1, 2025, the Illinois Secretary of State’s Department of Driver Services (“Department”) shall begin issuing electronic Illinois Mobile Identification Cards, in addition to the current tangible Identification Card. Amends the Illinois Identification Card Act and the Illinois Vehicle Code. Allows the Secretary of State to issue a mobile Illinois Identification Card or mobile driver's license to an individual who is otherwise eligible to hold a physical credential, in addition to an identification card or driver's license, if the Secretary of State has issued an identification card or driver's license to the person. Allows the Secretary to enter into agreements or to contract with an agency of the State, another state, the United States, or a third party to facilitate the issuance, use, and verification of a mobile identification card or driver's license issued by the Secretary or by another state. Requires the data elements that used to build an Illinois credential holder’s electronic credential to match the individual's current Department of State record. Requires all mobile identification cards and driver's licenses issued by the Secretary to be in accordance with the most recent standards of the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators. Provides that, when required by law and upon request by law enforcement, a credential holder must (continue to) provide the credential holder's physical credential. Provides that the display of a mobile identification card and driver's license shall not serve as consent or authorization for a law enforcement officer, or any other person, to search, view, or access any other data or application on the mobile device. Provides that no person, public entity, private entity, or agency shall establish a policy that requires an electronic credential instead of a physical credential. Provides that any law enforcement officer, court, or officer of the court presented with a mobile device for the purposes of display of a mobile driver's license shall be immune from any liability resulting from damage to the mobile device except for willful and wanton misconduct. Amends the definition of "mobile driver's license," and clarifies that it does not include a digital copy, photograph, or image of a driver’s license that is not downloaded through the Secretary of State’s application on a mobile device. Makes various technical changes. ----------------------------------- ILLINOIS – SB 3421 Eff. 1-1-25 View this bill Provides that it shall be unreasonable for a third party to refuse to honor an Illinois statutory short form power of attorney for property that was properly executed per laws in effect at the time of execution. Provides circumstances deemed “unreasonable” for refusing to honor these types of Illinois statutory short form powers of attorney, properly executed in accordance with laws in effect at the time of execution: (1) the power of attorney is not on a form the third party receiving such power prescribes, regardless of any form the terms of any account agreement between the principal and third party requires; (2) there has been a lapse of time since the execution of the power of attorney; (3) on the face of the statutory short form power of attorney, there is a lapse of time between the date of acknowledgment of the signature of the principal and the date of the acceptance by the agent; (4) the document provided does not bear an original signature, original witness, or original notarization but is accompanied by a properly executed Agent's Certification and Acceptance of Authority, Successor Agent's Certification and Acceptance of Authority, or Co-Agent's Certification and Acceptance of Authority bearing the original signature of the named agent; or (5) the document appoints an entity as the agent. Clarifies that nothing with respect to the (above) circumstances given as examples of “unreasonable” refusal to honor an Illinois statutory short form power of attorney for property shall be interpreted as prohibiting or limiting a third party from requiring the named agent to furnish a properly executed Agent's Certification and Acceptance of Authority, Successor Agent's Certification and Acceptance of Authority, or Co-Agent's Certification and Acceptance of Authority under the Illinois Power of Attorney Act. Establishes reasonable causes for an Illinois statutory short form power of attorney for property to be refused (dishonored): (1) refusal by the agent to provide an affidavit or properly executed Agent's Certification and Acceptance of Authority, Successor Agent's Certification and Acceptance of Authority, or Co-Agent's Certification and Acceptance of Authority; (2) refusal by the agent to provide a copy of the original document that is certified to be valid by an attorney, a court order, or governmental entity; (3) the person's good faith referral of the principal and the agent or a person acting for or with the agent to the local adult protective services unit; (4) actual knowledge or a reasonable basis for believing in the existence of a report having been made by any person to the local adult protective services unit alleging physical or financial abuse, neglect, exploitation, or abandonment of the principal by the agent or a person acting for the agent; (5) actual knowledge of the principal's death or a reasonable basis for believing the principal has died; (6) actual knowledge of the incapacity of the principal or a reasonable basis for believing the principal is incapacitated if the power of attorney tendered is a nondurable power of attorney; (7) actual knowledge or a reasonable basis for believing that the principal was incapacitated at the time the power of attorney was executed; (8) actual knowledge or a reasonable basis for believing: (a) the power of attorney was procured through fraud, duress, or undue influence, or (b) the agent is engaged in fraud or abuse of the principal; actual notice of the termination or revocation of the power of attorney or a reasonable basis for believing that the power of attorney has been terminated or revoked; (9) the refusal by a title insurance company to underwrite title insurance for a gift of real property made pursuant to a statutory short form power of attorney that does not contain express instructions or purposes of the principal with respect to gifts in paragraph 3 of the statutory short form power of attorney; (10) the refusal of the principal's attorney to provide a certificate that the power of attorney is valid; (11) a missing or incorrect signature, an invalid notarization*, or an unacceptable power of attorney identification ______________ *For example, a person notarizing when their commission is expired. (12) the third party: (A) has filed a suspicious activity report as described by 31 U.S.C. 5318(g) with respect to the principal or agent; (B) believes in good faith that the principal or agent has a prior criminal history involving financial crimes; or (C) has had a previous, unsatisfactory business relationship with the agent due to or resulting in material loss to the third party, financial mismanagement by the agent, or litigation between the third party and the agent alleging substantial damages; or (13) the third party has reasonable cause to suspect the abuse, abandonment, neglect, or financial exploitation of the principal, if the principal is an eligible adult under the Adult Protective Services Act. ----------------------------------- ILLINOIS - SB 3513 Eff. 1-1-25 View this bill Exempts licensed attorneys, judges, and employees of licensed attorneys or the court from the requirement that an applicant for notary public or electronic notary public commission renewal must take the mandatory course of study and examination. Requires such individuals wishing to be exempted from these requirements to submit, in the form and manner prescribed by the Secretary of State, that they are a licensed attorney or judge or are employed by a licensed attorney or the court, and they have read and understood the version of the Illinois Notary Public Act that is in effect at the time of application. |
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| INDIANA - Administrative Rule (LSA Document #25-153) Effective 6/18/25 View this rule (scroll down to “Proposed Rule” section heading) • Modifies the notary public application by requiring the applicant’s RESIDENCE address, not “mailing” address. Makes some stylistic amendments. • Establishes, in administrative rule(s), various fees already being collected by the Secretary of State for administrative notary transactions occurring online. (As explained in this rule’s “Basic Purpose and Background,” these are not new fees, but simply the promulgation in rule of already established fees.) • Corrects existing rule 75 IAC 7-2-1(b)(2) to reflect the existing requirement that the state’s notary public application collect the residence address of a notary applicant, not the mailing address. • Defines “apostille authentication” as a certificate or attestation of authenticity of an Indiana public official’s signature issued by the Secretary of State under IC 33-42-15-1, for accepting documents by foreign countries under the Hague Convention of October 5, 1961, Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents. • Provides the required information to be submitted with a request for an apostille authentication. Permits the Secretary of State to refuse issuing an apostille authentication for a notarized document if the notarization does not comply with Indiana Code Section 33-42 (the state’s notary public law). Permits the Secretary of State to refuse issuing an apostille authentication if the document contains a photocopy or facsimile signature; or if the document is an official or public record, available as a certified coy from the custodian of the record, and not signed by the custodian of the record. • Requires the Secretary of State, upon refusing to issue an apostille authentication, to return the document or notify the person who submitted the request of the refusal; and provide a brief (written) explanation of the reason for the refusal. • Requires the Secretary of State to adopt a format for apostille authentications that is consistent with the Trilingual Model Apostille Certificate maintained by the Hague Conference on Private International Law. Requires this format to be used even if the document’s destination county has not ratified or adopted the Hague Apostille Convention (1961). Requires the certificate (for an apostille authentication) to include a statement facilitating use of Indiana’s certificate in foreign countries that have not ratified or adopted the Hague Apostille Convention. • Makes other stylistic amendments. |
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| LOUISIANA— HB 89 Eff. 8-1-25 View this bill Requires the state registrar to issue a certified copy of a death certificate to a notary public, if the notary submits his credentials in declares in writing that he is assisting an heir of the deceased in the preparation of a small succession in accordance with Code of Civil Procedure Article 3431 et seq. ----------------------------------------- LOUISIANA — HB 310 Eff. 8-1-25 View this bill Amends existing law by providing that all civil and criminal filings made by an attorney shall be filed either in person in paper form or filed electronically with the clerk of court. ----------------------------------------- LOUISIANA — HB 385 Eff. 8-1-25 View this bill Amends existing law to specify that oaths or affirmations of (public) office administered to all officers of Louisiana shall be done so at no charge to the elected or appointed official. Additionally specifies that the oath or affirmation of all parish officers to be recorded in the parish clerk of court’s office shall be done so at no charge to the elected or appointed official. ----------------------------------------- LOUISIANA — SB 49 Eff. 8-1-25 View this bill Amends and simplifies existing law on notarial testaments. Provides the requirements (form) for notarial will. Specifies that a notarial will shall be prepared in writing, dated, executed before notary public in the presence of two witnesses, and signed by the testator, each witness and the notary. Provides that absence of an “attestation clause” does not invalidate a notarial will. Retains the use of attestation clauses in notarial wills to make them self-proving. Eliminates special requirements for notarial testaments for persons who are unable to sign or read. Eliminates special law for the execution of a testament in braille. Eliminates special requirements for notarial testaments for persons who are deaf or deaf and blind. Provides for the competency of witnesses to testament, and for the proof of testaments for probate. ----------------------------------------- LOUISIANA — SB 116 Eff. 8-1-25 View this bill Expands the jurisdictional limits of notaries qualified in St. Martin Parish and St. Landry Parish, by giving them reciprocal notarial authority in these two parishes (they may exercise any and all of the functions of a notary public in both parishes). Clarifies that no additional bonding or further application or examination shall be required. |
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| MAINE — LD 353 Eff. 7-1-25 View this bill Summary: Resolve, to Establish the Commission to Recommend Methods for Preventing Deed Fraud in the State. Resolves to establish a Commission to Recommend Methods for Preventing Deed Fraud in the State (of Maine). Provides that the commission shall consist of 13 members and provides specifications for those members. Establishes the Senate and House chairs of the Commission. Establishes the duties of the Commission. Requires the Legislative Council to provide necessary staff services to the commission at times other than when the Legislature is in regular or special session. Specifies that the Commission shall, no later than December 3, 2025, submit a report including the commission’s findings and recommendations for preventing deed fraud in Maine. |
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| MISSISSIPPI – Administrative Rule Title 1, Part 5, Chapters 2-4, 9-10 and 12 Effective 9-29-25 View these rules Modifies the Magnolia State’s notary public administrative rules on multiple points, as follows. Rule 1.2 Definitions • Deletes the rule’s definition of “affirmation” and “oath .” Renumbers rules as necessary. • Defines “Act [the Revised Mississippi Law on Notarial Acts],” “address,” “affirmation,” “applicant,” “appoint,” “appointment,” “document,” “dynamic knowledge-based authentication assessment,” “electronic document,” “electronic notarial act,” “electronic notarial certificate,” “electronic notarization system,” “electronic notary seal,” “official electronic seal,” “electronic signature,” “notary public,” “oath,” “public key certificate,” “Secretary of State,” “real time,” “reappoint,” “reappointment,” “spouse,” “tamper-evident,” and “tangible.” Rules 2.1 and 2.2, Eligibility – separates existing text into two distinctive, separate rules: • Rule 2.1 addresses applicants holding state and federal office • Rule 2.2 concerns commission eligibility under the circumstance of a “deemed” commission resignation. A “deemed” resignation occurs on the date a notary public no longer resides in Mississippi or employment within Mississippi terminates. Under a deemed resignation the notary must notify the SOS in writing or electronically within 30 calendar days of the effective date of the deemed resignation. Rule 2.4 Bond – A substantial new section of the rules. • Specifies that a notary commission shall not become effective until an oath of office and a $5000 bond have been filed with the Secretary of State. • Specifies that the bond shall be issued and executed by a surety licensed by the Mississippi Department of Insurance, for a term of 4 years commencing on the commission’s effective date and terminating on its expiration date. Provides that payment of bond funds shall be to any person “conditioned upon the notary’s misconduct, misfeasance or malfeasance.” • Requires the bond to be on SOS Form NP 002, Official Notary Public Bond, or a bond substantially in the form prescribed for public o4icial bonds in Mississippi Code (1972) Section 25-1-15. • Requires the bond to be submitted to the Secretary of State within 60 days of the application, with failure to timely submit resulting in rejection of the notary application. • Specifies that the Secretary may suspend a notary commission if a bond on file has been exhausted by claims payment(s); suspension is until a new bond is obtained by the notary AND the notary’s fitness to serve out the remainder of their commission term has been determined by the Secretary. • Requires that before taking the oath of office or registering an official signature, a notary public applicant shall present satisfactory evidence of ID as provided for in Mississippi’s RULONA. [Sections 25-34-11 and 25-34-13] Rule 2.5 Appointment and Issuance of Commission – requires persons who are taking the notary oath of office or registering their official signature to present satisfactory evidence of ID pursuant to existing notary law. Requires applicants, prior to being commissioned, to execute their oath of o4ice and submit the bond to the SOS. Rule 2.6 Reappointment – [Renumbering of an existing rule.] Allows a current notary to submit an application for reappointment up to 90 days prior to expiration of the existing commission. Specifies that the date of the new commission shall be the date immediately after the current commission’s expiration date. Requires reappointment applications to be filed at least 60 calendar days prior to commission expiration. Rule 2.7 Term of Commission – [Renumbering of an existing rule.] Provides that a notary public’s commission term shall expire on the expiration date of the notary’s surety bond, no more than 4 years after the commission date. Requires a notary to reapply with the Secretary of State for each commission term before performing any notarial acts. Part 5, Chapter 3, Rule 3.1 Official Stamp – No change from existing rules. The “example” of an official stamp provided in the rules requires these information elements: “State of Mississippi,” “John Q. Doe, Notary Public,” “(Name of) County,” “My commission expires (Date),” “Commission number (number).” Other rules pertaining to the official stamp that appear unaltered are Rule 3.2 (Stamping Device) and 3.3 (Replacement of Lost or Stolen Stamping Device). Part 5, Chapter 4: There is no apparent change to the following rules - Rule 4.1 Identification of Notary Public in Journal Rule 4.2 Journal Entries Rule 4.3 Form and Content [Tangible Journal] Rule 4.4 Form and Content [Electronic Journal] Rule 4.5 Custody and Control of Journal; Notification of Lost or Stolen Journal Rule 4.6 Inspection [Journal]; Response to Subpoenas and Investigative Requests Rule 4.7 Disposition of Journal Part 5, Chapter 5: Clarifies that to identify signers, certain current/unexpired credentials issued by a state of the United States are allowed, as are a driver’s license or nondriver ID card issued by a state or territory of Canada or Mexico and if such cards meet certain additional requirements. Creates a new Part 5 in Chapter 12, dealing with apostilles and authentications. Provides the general form/wording of these official documents, which generally conforms to existing nationwide and international standards. Authorizes the Secretary of State to refuse certification of a document when the Secretary has good reason to believe the certification is desired for an unlawful or improper purpose. Requires the Secretary’s Authentications O4icer (the individual generally tasked with reviewing requests for and issuing apostilles and authentications) to “examine the document as may be necessary to establish that the requested authentication is appropriate and not contrary to public interest.” |
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| MISSOURI — HB 754 Eff. 8-28-25 View this bill Highlights: • Provides requirements for the making of an electronic self-proved will, including by means of a remote electronic notarization performed in accordance with all applicable requirements of Missouri law. Provides the format of the certificate of such a notarial act. • Allows an individual to create a certified paper copy of an electronic will, and specifies the requirements. Provides that if a provision of law or rule of procedure requires a will to be presented or retained its original form or provides legal consequences for the information not being presented or retained in its original form, that provision or rule shall be satisfied by a certified paper copy of an electronic will. • Allows any written estate planning document to be executed electronically and establishes that it shall not be invalid or void solely because it is in electronic form or signed electronically. Names the document types that the term “estate planning document” shall include but not be limited to. • Allows an individual to create a certified paper copy of an electronic estate planning document. |
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| MONTANA—HB 165 Eff. 10-1-25 View this bill Amends Sec. 61-3-220, MCA by removing the requirement—upon the voluntary transfer of any interest in a motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, pole trailer, camper, motorboat, personal watercraft, sailboat or snowmobile for which a certificate of title was issued under Chapter 61, MCA—that the transfer’s signature on the certificate of title must be acknowledged before certain named officials including notaries public. |
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| NEBRASKA—LB 470 Eff. 9-2-25 View this bill Establishes that when any matter is required or permitted to be supported, evidenced, established, or proved by the sworn declaration, verification, certificate, statement, oath, or affidavit, in writing, of an attorney, whose signature is required by virtue of the attorney's representation of a party in an action, making the same (other than a deposition, an oath of office, or an oath required to be taken before a specified official other than a notary public), the matter may, with like force and effect, be supported, evidenced, established, or proved by the unsworn declaration, certificate, verification, or statement, in writing, of such attorney. Requires the unsworn declaration to be signed by the attorney as true under penalty of perjury, and dated, and provides wording for these declarations. |
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| NEVADA—AB 25 Eff. 5-29-25 View this bill Provides that a notarial officer has satisfactory evidence that a person who is incarcerated in the state prison is the person whose signature is on a document if the person is identified upon the basis of: (1) an inmate identification card that is issued by the Department in accordance with regulations adopted by the Department and includes the name and a picture of the person; or (2) a declaration signed by the person under penalty of perjury attesting to his or her identity. ------------------------------- NEVADA—AB 72 Eff. 5-29-25 View this bill Authorizes the Secretary of State to adopt regulations establishing a code of professional responsibility for notaries public. Section 4 of this bill authorizes the Secretary of State to impose certain sanctions against a notary public who violates any regulation adopted pursuant to the provisions of existing law governing notaries public, including, without limitation, any code of professional responsibility adopted. Authorizes a notarial officer to refuse to perform a notarial act if the notary officer is not satisfied that: (1) the person executing the document is competent [a defined term] or has capacity to execute the document; or (2) the persons signature is not knowingly and voluntarily made. Further authorizes a notarial officer to refuse to perform a notarial act under other circumstances where such refusal is not prohibited. Clarifies that certain specified penalties apply, except as otherwise provided in NRS Chapter 240, when a notary willfully violates a provision of Chapter 240 or commits willful neglect of duty or other violation of the Chapter. Clarifies that an electronic notary public is prohibited from performing an electronic notarial act unless he or she is present in Nevada. |
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| NEW HAMPSHIRE—HB2 Eff. 7-1-25 View this bill Expands the New Hampshire Department of Justice’s Division of Legal Counsel, by establishing within it an elections law unit responsible for enforcing violations of New Hampshire elections law and of the Uniform Law on Notarial Acts. ---------------------------------------- NEW HAMPSHIRE—SB 42 Eff. 8-22-25 View this bill Requires the beneficiaries of a transfer on death deed to file, with the registry of deeds, a notice of death affidavit within 60 days of the transferer’s death. Requires the notice of death to contain detailed information. “Thereby ensures” proper documentation and communication with the tax assessor. (New Hampshire notaries should be aware of the likelihood that such notices of death affidavits will be presented for a notarial act.) |
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| NORTH CAROLINA—HB 40 Eff. 6-26-25 View this bill Amends the statute on notary commission qualifications by removing the requirement that an applicant’s signature on an initial application be written “with pen and ink,” and clarifying that the Secretary of State’s authority to establish a process for submission of the applicant’s signature may include electronic submission. --------------------------------------- NORTH CAROLINA—HB 388 See Effective Date Clause, Bill Section 13(b) View this bill (see “Part IX” on page 11) Extends sunset of the “temporary” statutory authorization for performance of emergency video notarizations. As provided in HB 388, that sunset is now “the earlier of (i) 12:01 A.M. July 1, 2026, or (ii) the date the Secretary issues the first license in accordance with G.S. 10B-134.19. If the Secretary issues the first license in accordance with G.S. 10B-134.19 prior to 12:01 A.M. July 1, 2026, the Secretary shall file that date with the Codifier of Rules to be published in the North Carolina Register as the expiration date of this section." |
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| NORTH DAKOTA – SB 2144 Effective 8/1/25 View this bill Deletes a blanket statutory requirement that an applicant “for licensure” in North Dakota must provide their employer’s taxpayer or employer identification number. Deletes Section 43-55-09, North Dakota Century Code, regarding an applicant’s social security number or federal tax ID number. Clarifies that the Secretary of State shall notify each notary public, in a manner as prescribed by the Secretary of State, at least 30 days before the notary’s commission expires. Deletes a statement requiring such notice to be addressed to the notary public at their last known place of residence. Amends existing law to enable a notary to charge a technology fee when performing a notarial act under Century Code Section 44-06.1-13.1 or 44-06.1-18 if: the notary incurred fees for using technology to perform the notarial act; the notary and the person requesting the notarial act agree upon the technology fee in advance; and the notary explains to the person requesting the notarial act that the technology fee is separate from the notarial act fee. -------------------------------------------------------- NORTH DAKOTA—SB 2127 Eff. 8-1-25 View this bill Creates the Uniform Electronic Estate Planning Documents Act, which: • Provides that if any other provision of law requires a signature or record to be notarized, acknowledged, verified, or made under oath, the requirement is satisfied with respect to an electronic nontestamentary estate planning document if an individual authorized to perform the notarization, acknowledgment, verification, or oath attaches or logically associates the individual's electronic signature on the document together with all other information required to be included under law. • Establishes that if any other provision of law bases the validity of a nontestamentary estate planning document on whether the document is signed, witnessed, or attested by another individual, then the signature, witnessing, or attestation of that individual may be electronic. • Defines the use of the term “electronic presence” to mean s two or more individuals in different locations are able to communicate in real time to the same extent as if the individuals were physically present in the same location. If any other provision of law bases the validity of a nontestamentary estate planning document on whether the document is signed, witnessed, or attested by another individual in the presence of the individual signing the document, the presence requirement is satisfied if the individuals are in each other's electronic presence. • Allows that a certified paper copy of an electronic nontestamentary estate planning document is created when an individual affirms under penalty of perjury before a notary public that the paper copy is a complete and accurate copy of the document. • Clarifies that the Act applies to an electronic nontestamentary estate planning document created, signed, generated, sent, communicated, received, or stored before, on, or after July 31, 2025. |
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| OHIO – HB 315 Effective 4-3-25 View this bill; Pages 43-55 Makes various amendments to Ohio’s notary public law, as follows. Amends Ohio Revised Code Section 147.01 dealing with appointment and commission of a notary public. Clarifies that the Secretary of State may revoke a commission issued to a notary public upon the judgment of a court of presentation of satisfactory evidence of misconduct or incapacity. Further clarifies that if the Secretary revokes a person’s commission, the person is ineligible for reappointment to the office of notary public. Requires that before entering upon the duties of office, a notary public shall take their oath of office by personally appearing before another notary public, or any officer authorized by law to administer oaths. Amends Ohio Revised Code Section 147.001 by adding subsection (F), defining “notary public” to mean an officer of the state, commissioned to perform notarial acts by the secretary of state, or prior to June 6, 2001, by the governor. Clarifies that a notary public is not considered an occupation or profession under Title XLVII of the Revised Code, and a notary commission is not an occupational or professional license. Adds new law concerning investigation of a notary. Requires a notary public to cooperative fully with the Secretary of State during the course of an investigation, including responding in a timely manner to all questions posed by the Secretary as part of that investigation. Requires the Secretary to revoke the commission of a notary public who does not cooperate or respond to such questions as required. Empowers the Secretary of State to revoke the commission of a notary public for any act or omission by the notary public that demonstrates the notary lacks the requisite honesty, integrity, competence, or reliability to act as a notary public, including any of the following: 1. Failure to administer an oath or affirmation when executing a jurat; 2. Performing a notarial act without requiring personal appearance, except in the case of an online notary public performing an online notarization in accordance with sections 147.60 to 147.66 of the Revised Code; 3. Fraudulent, dishonest or deceitful misstatement or omission on a notarial certificate. States clearly that a notary public has statewide jurisdiction. Makes numerous stylistic amendments to existing statutory wording. Increases the allowable fee for an online notarization to thirty dollars (previously twenty-five). Authorizes a notary to charge either or both of (1) a reasonable travel fee, agreed to by the notary and the principal prior to the notarial act; (2) a technology fee up to ten dollars for the use of an online notarization system when performing an online notarization, as defined in section 147.60 of the Revised Code. Clarifies that a notary may charge a technology fee regardless of whether the notarial act is completed, such as when a signer fails to pass the identification process in the online notarization system, but the total technology fee charged shall not exceed ten dollars per online notarization system. Adds executing a jurat without administering an oath or affirmation to the signer; and charging or accepting a fee greater than the amount prescribed by law, as prohibited acts under the notary law. Requires the Secretary to prescribe and make available an electronic duplicate commission request form, and an electronic amendment form. Amends current law to require submission of these forms. Establishes requirements for performance of authorized notarial acts (acknowledgment of a record, verification or statement on oath or affirmation (jurat), including determining the identity of the person acknowledging a record or making a verification on oath or affirmation, and that the signature on the record is that of the person. Provides that a notary public has personal knowledge of the identity of a person appearing before the notary if the person is personally known to the notary through dealings sufficient to provide reasonable certainty that the person has the identity claimed. Provides that a notary public has satisfactory evidence of the identity of a person appearing before the notary if the notary public an identify the person by either an inspection of certain specified identification credentials that are current or expired not more than three years before performance of the notarial act and that are satisfactory to the notary; or by verification on oath or affirmation of a credible witness personally appearing before the notary public and personally known to the notary public or whom the notary public can identify on the basis of a passport, driver’s license, or other government-issued nondriver identification card that is current or expired not more than three years before performance of the notarial act. Clarifies that a witness is not credible if they have a conflict of interest regarding the transaction. Authorizes a notary to require a person to provide additional information or identification credentials necessary to assure the notary public of the identity of the person. Defines a person’s “conflict of interest.” Authorizes a notary public or any other individual with similar authority under Code Section 147.51to perform these notarial acts: administer oaths or affirmations; take and certify acknowledgments; take and certify depositions. Establishes the procedural requirements and certifications made for the authorized notarial acts of an acknowledgment and a jurat. Provides the spoken oath or affirmation administered by a notary public to the signer of a jurat: “Do you solemnly swear that the statements made in this document are true, so help you God?” or “Do you affirm, under penalty of perjury, that the statements in this document are true?” Provides that the form of a notarial certificate used by a person whose authority is recognized under Section 147.51, Ohio Revised Code, shall be accepted in Ohio if any of the following apply: 1. The notarial certificate is in a form prescribed by the laws or regulations of Ohio; 2. The notarial certificate is in a form prescribed by the laws or regulations applicable in the place in which the notarial act is performed; 3. The certificate contains the words (a) “Acknowledged before me,” or their substantial equivalent, for an acknowledgment; or (b) “Sworn to and subscribed before me,” “affirmed to and subscribed before me,” or their substantial equivalent, when executing a jurat. Updates statutory language relative to authenticator certificates. Prohibits an authenticator certificate from being signed or notarized with an electronic signature or electronic seal, either in person or through the use of an online notarization system. Makes numerous clerical and conforming amendments. |
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| OKLAHOMA – SB 925 Eff. 11-1-25 View this bill Authorizes the filing of a “record of fraudulent conveyance” by victims of real property title theft. Specifies the information to be provided in such filings, to “be effective and entitled to be recorded.” Enacts measures to be taken by county clerks, in order to combat false (sham) filings of fraudulent real property sales (i.e., conveyances). Requires a county clerk to file a copy of a notice of fraudulent conveyance to the district attorney for investigation and potential prosecution. Specifies the circumstances that indicate a person has committed the crime of title theft. Requires county clerks to post a sign in or near their offices, in a manner clearly visible to the general public, stating that it is a crime for a person to knowingly file with the county clerk a fraudulent document pertaining to real property. |
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| OREGON - CITIES’ GENERAL RECORDS RETENTION POLICY – MINIMUM RETENTION PERIODS OSA 3-2025 (Policy Text reproduced below) Effective 7-3-25 The policy includes a specific records retention period and circumstances for notary public journals used by Oregon city employees performing notarial transactions on behalf of their employer. Allows cities to retain notary journals by agreement with the notary public following the notary’s separation from city employment. Clarifies that notary records may include the notary journal and said agreement. Cautions that cities retaining notary public journals without such a notary agreement should consult their legal counsel and/or Oregon’s Secretary of State, Corporations Division, for retention instructions. States the minimum journal retention period of 10 years after the last notarial act recorded in the journal.
------------------------------------------------- OREGON - HB 4020 Eff. 1-1-25 View this bill Requires all applicants for a commission as a notary public (new and renewal commissions) to complete a course of study offered by the Secretary of State, or by an entity approved by the Secretary, before taking the required examination. The course of study must cover the laws, rules, procedures and ethics relevant to notarial acts. |
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| RHODE ISLAND—HB 6385 See effective date clause View this bill Makes several grammatical, non-substantive amendments to Rhode Island’s Uniform Law on Notarial Acts. |
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| SOUTH DAKOTA - FINAL NOTARY ADMINISTRATIVE RULES - SECRETARY OF STATE 05:04:03:01 and 04; 05:04:06:07; 05:04:06:07.01; 05:04:06:09 Effective 9-29-25 Read the amended rules (pages 1-7) Through these administrative rules, the South Dakota Secretary of State has implemented the Legislature’s decision to eliminate the surety bond requirement for the state’s notaries public. (See South Dakota House Bill 1133, below.) Rule changes: • All references to "bond" and "bond form" are eliminated. • The state's notary public application form is amended to remove the Personal Surety Form language. • The data fields and information requirements for South Dakota's notary public application form are individually specified. • The list of South Dakota laws implemented by the rule is updated to include SDCL 18-1-3.1. ------------------------------------------------------ SOUTH DAKOTA—HB 1133 Eff. 7-1-25 View this bill Amends South Dakota Century Code by deleting the requirement that a notary applicant obtain a six-year, $5000 surety bond. Editor’s Note: The South Dakota Secretary of State’s Notary website contains this notification: “Effective July 1st, the surety bond/Personal Surety Form is no longer required to apply and become a South Dakota Notary Public. If you would like to wait until July 1st or after to apply, please ignore the below instructions.” https://sdsos.gov/general-services/notary-public/how-becomenotary.aspx --------------------------------------- SOUTH DAKOTA—HB 1192 Eff. 7-1-25 View this bill Lifts the $10 cap on fees that a notary public may charge for notarization of an instrument (document). Retains existing law’s prohibition against a notary charging a fee for notarizing a request for an absentee ballot. |
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| TEXAS—HB 5093 Eff. 9-1-25 View this bill Establishes that certain law(s) on confidential information maintained by specified government bodies does not prohibit the Secretary of State from disclosing the home address, home telephone number, or electronic mail address of a notary public appointed under Texas law (Chapter 406, Subchapter A). -------------------------------------- TEXAS—SB 693 Eff. 9-1-25 View this bill • Adds, to the requirements for qualifying as a new or renewing Texas notary public, the applicant’s successful completion of education requirements established under Gov’t Code Section 406.023. • Modifies the statutory description of “good cause” (the standard for the Secretary of State’s rejection of a notary public application or for the Secretary’s revocation of an existing commission) to include a Texas notary’s failure to maintain records of notarizations as specified under Gov’t Code Section 406.014. • Creates new code Section 406.0091 which establishes that a person commits an offense if, as a notary public, the person performs any notarization with knowledge that the signer, grantor, maker or principal for whom the notarization is performed did not personally appear before the notary public at the time the notarization is executed. Makes such offense a Class A misdemeanor, and a state jail felony if the document being notarized involves the transfer of real property or any interest in real property. • Provides an affirmative defense to prosecution for a notary’s failure to require personal appearance, when the person who appeared before a notary public—regardless of their identity—knowingly presented an apparently valid proof of identification that identified the present person as the signer, grantor, make, or principal for whom the notarization was intended to be performed. Defines what “personally appears before notary public” means for purposes of this bill provision, clarifying that it pertains to physical appearance as well as appearance by means of compliant online notarization technology. • Requires a notary public to retain their records of notarial acts pursuant to Gov’t Code Section 406.014(a) until the 10th anniversary of the date of notarization. • Requires the Secretary of State to adopt rules necessary to establish requirements for appointment, and reappointment, continuing education requirements. Requires that the rules: o not require a person to complete more than 2 hours of education for appointment or two hours of continuing education for reappointment; o require that the secretary of state establish and offer education and continuing education courses and allow the secretary to charge a reasonable fee; o require that the education and continuing education course hours required for notary public appointment or reappointment may only be completed through a course established and offered by the Secretary of State; and o not require a person appointed as a notary public before September 1, 2025 to complete education requirements for initial appointment as a notary public on or after that date. • Specifies that the Secretary shall, no later than January 1, 2026, adopt rules necessary to implement the law changes made by SB 693. • Clarifies that the law changes made by SB 693 apply only to a notary public applications for appointment or reappointment submitted on or after January 1, 2026. Provides that an application submitted before January 1, 2026 is governed by the law in effect up until the effective date of SB 693, and “that law is continued in effect for that purpose.”
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| UTAH - SB 8 Effective 7-1-25 View this bill (search for term “notary”) Provides for and/or establishes Utah state agency fees, internal service fund rate authorizations, and appropriations. Establishes the fees to be charged for notary commissioning ($95); notary test retakes ($40); and the remote notary application ($50). --------------------------------------------- UTAH – SB 79 Eff. 5-7-25 View this bill Amends Utah’s Recognition of Acknowledgments Act, by restating the definition “acknowledged before me” to mean (a) that the person acknowledging appeared before the person taking the acknowledgment; and (b) that the person [who was/is] acknowledging executed the document. The remainder of this bill’s law changes appear to have been made to render existing statutory text gender-neutral. |
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| VIRGINIA – HB 1889 Effective 7/1/2025 View this bill Revises existing law by specifying that, for the purposes of notarial acts being performed outside the Commonwealth for use in the Commonwealth, a 'notarial act' means an act, whether performed with respect to a tangible or electronic document, that a notary public commissioned in the Commonwealth may perform under the laws and regulations of the Commonwealth. Makes necessary conforming amendments. --------------------------------------------------- VIRGINIA – HB 2396 Effective 7/1/2025 View this bill Directs the Virginia Housing Development Authority to convene a technical advisory group to evaluate the prevalence of deed fraud, develop recommendations for the prevention of deed fraud, and develop measures to enhance protections for property owners from such crimes. Includes “notary fraud” among the causes influencing the prevalence of deed fraud. Lists “requiring identity verification processes by notaries,” “strengthening safeguards to prevent fraudulent notaries,” and “establishing an alert notification system to inform notaries when documents containing a notary’s name or registration number are submitted for recording” among the policy issues to be considered. --------------------------------------------- VIRGINIA—SB 1270 Eff. 7-1-25 View this bill Directs the Virginia Housing Development Authority to convene a technical advisory group to (i) evaluate the prevalence of deed fraud, including notary fraud, seller impersonation, owner impersonation, and fraudulent lien filing; (ii) develop recommendations for the prevention of deed fraud; and (iii) develop measures to enhance protections for property owners from such crimes. Requires the technical advisory group to submit its findings and recommendations to the Chairmen of the House Committee on General Laws and the Senate Committee on General Laws and Technology no later than November 1, 2025. |
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