The Remote Electronic Notarization Act (RENA) became law on July 8, 2022. RENA amends Chapter 10B, Notary Public Act, of the North Carolina General Statutes. However, before NC notaries can conduct remote notarizations, the Secretary of State must adopt rules. For more on RENA rulemaking, click or go to sosnc.gov/rulemaking.

Under House Bill 776, Emergency Video Notarization is restored until June 30, 2023 at 12:01AM. We anticipate the General Assembly will consider an extension to bridge the interval before NC notaries can offer Remote Electronic Notarization (REN). NEW FEES (as of July 8, 2022) under Gen. Stat. 10B-31: For acknowledgements, jurats, verifications, or proofs, the new fee is $10 per principal signature. For oaths or affirmations without a signature, the fee is $10 per person except for an oath or affirmation of a credible witness vouching for the identity of a principal or subscribing witness. For an electronic notarization under G.S. 10B-118, the fee is $15.

Notaries are public officers of the State of North Carolina charged with protecting the public from fraud and forgery. The primary tools notaries use in fulfilling this statutory obligation are requiring personal appearance, positively identifying signers and recording evidence of the notarization in a journal of notary acts. Notaries have a vital role in protecting the citizens of North Carolina and facilitating commerce for those doing business in the Old North State.