Letter to the Editor – The Georgia Notary Network, Inc.

Dear Editor,

This year, the Georgia General Assembly got close to passing remote online notarization legislation. Next year the legislature will once again have an opportunity to pass this legislation and join Georgia with the 38 other states that have already passed similar laws, and they should take it. Online notarization uses modern technology to allow someone to get their documents notarized online. This service proved crucial during the pandemic, and now notaries in Georgia deserve continued access as the pandemic subsides. The legislature should begin work now to give Georgia notaries the permanent ability to perform online notarizations.

There are several benefits that online notarization affords notaries. With online notarization, notaries are supported by audio-video technology, proven fraud prevention tools to assist in identity verification and secure online document storage solutions that go beyond the abilities of paper. With online notarization, a notary can complete transactions in a setting in which they are comfortable and enables them to terminate a session if they become uncomfortable, including suspected fraud. Online notarization also offers greater efficiency and workflow improvements.

Across the country, gas prices are rising, traffic is nearing pre-pandemic levels, and in-person work has proven to be less efficient. Online notarization will give Georgia’s notaries an opportunity to expand our services to areas further than a reasonable driving distance – including throughout our state’s most rural communities – the flexibility to work hours that fit our schedules, and most importantly, the ability to serve more people safely and securely online.

Any resident with a smartphone or computer can use online notarization for their notarization needs. It allows greater access for people seeking notarial services with mobility or physical disabilities, the immunocompromised, and those who lack reliable access to transportation. These accessibility benefits will aid in our fight to close the digital divide here in Georgia.

Beyond accessibility, online notarizations offer greater opportunities to expand a notary’s business in industries such as real estate. Notaries and Georgia closing attorneys play a vital role in the homebuying process. When buying a home here in Georgia, closing attorneys are there for their clients to help them understand the important legal components of the documents they are signing. Georgia can pass legislation that still requires a closing attorney to be present during an online real estate closing, allowing closing attorneys to join the online session and participate just as they would in person.

From accessibility benefits, increased opportunities to expand our businesses, and added flexibility for both notaries and our customers, the legislature should act quickly to make online notarizations available to all Georgia notaries. As states throughout the country pass legislation giving their notaries this same ability, fellow notaries throughout Georgia and I urge our legislators to consider these benefits and pass legislation to permanently authorize online notarization next session.

Sincerely,

The Georgia Notary Network, Inc.

www.ganotarynetwork.com

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