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Can I use Zoom in place of a regular in-person notarization?

Due to COVID-19, I unable to notarize my boss’ signature in person. I am in Massachusetts and he is in New York. Can I complete a notarization using ZOOM?G. H., Massachusetts

No, you may not. While a recent new temporary law (Senate Bill 2645) allows Massachusetts Notaries to use Zoom or other video conference technologies to perform Remote Ink-Signed Notarizations (RIN) on certain types of documents during the COVID-19 crisis, this law requires both the Notary and the principal signer to be located within Massachusetts. In addition, if the document pertains to real property, a will, nomination of guardian or conservator, caregiver authorization affidavit, trust, durable power of attorney, health care proxy or authorization under the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, the Notary who performs the RIN must be a Massachusetts attorney or a paralegal under the supervision of a Massachusetts attorney.

(A guide to emergency COVID-19 remote notarization rules in other states can be found here.)

Hotline answers are based on the laws in the state where the question originated and may not reflect the laws of other states. If in doubt, always refer to your own state statutes. A guide to emergency remote notarization provisions in other states can be found here– The Editors

Confronted with a tricky notarization? Unsure how to proceed? NNA members have unlimited access to our expertly trained NNA Hotline counselors to help you with all of your notarial questions. Call 1-888-876-0827, Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. PST; Saturday, 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST.





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8 Comments

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Sheila Goldner

07 Oct 2020

Are remote online notarizations becoming the alternative at this point, because of COVID-19?

National Notary Association

08 Oct 2020

Hello. Many states have issued emergency orders authorizing Notaries to perform different types of remote notarizations during COVID-19. For more information, please see here: https://www.nationalnotary.org/notary-bulletin/blog/2020/03/states-emergency-action-remote-notarization and here: https://www.nationalnotary.org/knowledge-center/remote-online-notary

Shirley Williams

12 Oct 2020

Question: when is notarizing a document by placing your notary seal on a another page other than the actual document, acceptable

National Notary Association

12 Oct 2020

Based on what you’ve described, we think it would be best if you contacted our Hotline team by phone and provided them with a more detailed description of the situation. The NNA Hotline: 1-888-876-0827 Mon – Fri: 5:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (PT) Saturday: 5:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (PT) If you’re not an NNA Member or Hotline Subscriber, they will provide you with a one-time courtesy call.

Sheri E

12 Oct 2020

I live in Ca abd because of any underlying condition have not been able to meet people for signings Most states have implemented RON but of course not Ca I’ve lost my business that I worked so hard for after 12 years and I know it’s my choice but during a pandemic my state decided it’s not important enough

Robin Bryduck

10 Nov 2020

I work/live in Minnesota. Can I use Microsoft Teams/video conferencing to "notarize" my manager's signature on a letter? She could sign, courier to me, and then I would notarize. We both live in Minnesota.

National Notary Association

13 Nov 2020

Hello. No. To perform RONs in Minnesota, a Notary must submit a RON authorization application form to the Secretary of State and contract with a RON technology provider. For more information, please see here: https://www.nationalnotary.org/knowledge-center/remote-online-notary/how-to-become-a-remote-online-notary/minnesota

contactjaran@gmail.com

24 Feb 2022

I work/live in Guam, a US Territory. Legislation has passed in 2020 to allow us traditional notaries to do Remote Online Notarizations. Unfortunately, to date, there are no RON platforms that offer services or "launched" in Guam. Any recommendations/alternatives?

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