H.R. 1777 · Where this bill is now
In committee
Introduced in the House, sent to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned, Mar 3, 2025
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryEnables remote notarization across state lines
Ever wondered why some legal documents still require you to find a notary in person. This bill would let notaries electronically notarize documents for people in different states or even other countries by using video chat. It sets up technical standards for recording those sessions and requires all states and courts to accept these remote notarizations as valid.
How it affects you
If you need a document notarized, you could do it online with a notary from another state instead of finding one nearby. This mainly helps people in rural areas, those with mobility challenges, and anyone who finds it inconvenient to visit a notary in person. The official summary doesn't detail other specific effects on daily life.
Read the official summary (Introduced in House, Mar 3, 2025)
Securing and Enabling Commerce Using Remote and Electronic Notarization Act of 2025 or the SECURE Notarization Act of 2025
This bill allows a notary public commissioned under state law to remotely notarize electronic records and perform notarizations for remotely located individuals. The bill provides technical requirements for the notarizations, including the creation and retention of video and audio recordings and the use of communication technologies (i.e., video chat).
Additionally, the bill requires U.S. courts and states to recognize notarizations—including remote notarizations of electronic records and notarizations of remotely-located individuals—that occur in or affect interstate commerce and are performed by a notary public commissioned under the laws of other states.
The bill also allows a notary public to remotely notarize electronic records involving an individual located outside of the United States, subject to certain requirements.
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
1st SessionH. R. 1777
A BILL
SECURE Notarization Act of 2025
Sponsor: Rep. Cliff Bentz (R-OR-2) · Introduced Mar 3, 2025 · Law · 1 version of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Mar 3, 2025: “Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.”
Sections
Sections · 11
- Sec. 1Short titleNo change
- Sec. 2DefinitionsNo change
- Sec. 3Authorization to perform and minimum standards for electronic notarizationNo change
- Sec. 4Authorization to perform and minimum standards for remote notarizationNo change
- Sec. 5Recognition of notarizations in Federal courtNo change
- Sec. 6Recognition by State of notarizations performed under authority of another StateNo change
- Sec. 7Electronic and remote notarization not requiredNo change
- Sec. 8Validity of notarizations; rights of aggrieved persons not affected; State laws on the practice of law not affectedNo change
- Sec. 9Exception to preemptionNo change
- Sec. 10Standard of care; special notarial commissions; false advertisingNo change
- Sec. 11SeverabilityNo change