House Approves Remote Notary Bill
The House on Feb. 27 approved the Securing and Enabling Commerce Using Remote and Electronic (SECURE) Notarization Act. The legislation would help small businesses and consumers, including those engaged in the home building sector, as notarizations are used extensively in real estate transactions.
The SECURE Act would establish nationwide standards and technical requirements for remote online notarization and allow a notary public commissioned under state law to remotely notarize electronic records and perform notarizations for remotely located individuals.
The bill would also require U.S. courts and states to recognize remote notarizations, including remote notarizations from notary publics commissioned in other states or U.S. territories, that occur in or affect interstate commerce.
Current law requires a signer to physically be in the presence of a notary. This requirement is often impractical, costly or even completely unworkable because of ongoing social distancing constraints in some communities resulting from COVID-19, as well as other barriers including military service or work travel that prevents face-to-face interactions.
The SECURE Act would establish nationwide standards and technical requirements for remote online notarization and allow a notary public commissioned under state law to remotely notarize electronic records and perform notarizations for remotely located individuals.
The bill would also require U.S. courts and states to recognize remote notarizations, including remote notarizations from notary publics commissioned in other states or U.S. territories, that occur in or affect interstate commerce.
Current law requires a signer to physically be in the presence of a notary. This requirement is often impractical, costly or even completely unworkable because of ongoing social distancing constraints in some communities resulting from COVID-19, as well as other barriers including military service or work travel that prevents face-to-face interactions.
Latest from NAHBNow
Safety
Dec 12, 2025
Preventing Cold, Flu and COVID Illnesses on Jobsites Starts with a PlanIn the construction industry, working outdoors may appear to create less risk for catching a cold, flu, and COVID-19, but it’s crucial to understand that these illnesses can still spread while working in close proximity in any conditions.
Housing Finance
Dec 11, 2025
FHA Announces Forward Mortgage Loan Limits for 2026The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) today announced its 2026 Nationwide Forward Mortgage Loan Limits, which provides the maximum mortgage loan limits for single-family homes that are insured by the FHA.
Latest Economic News
Economics
Dec 11, 2025
Homeownership Rate Inches Up to 65.3%The latest homeownership rate rose to 65.3% in the third quarter of 2025, according to the Census’s Housing Vacancy Survey (HVS).
Economics
Dec 10, 2025
No Risk-Free Path: Fed Eases Monetary PolicyThe central bank’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) cut rates a third and final time in 2025, reducing the target range for the federal funds rate by 25 basis points to a 3.5% to 3.75% range. This reduction will help reduce financing costs of builder and developer loans.
Economics
Dec 09, 2025
Construction Labor Market StableThe count of open, unfilled positions in the construction industry was relatively unchanged in October, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS). The current level of open jobs is down measurably from two years ago due to declines in construction activity, particularly in housing.