Rep. Ryan Spain’s Electronic Notary Legislation Unanimously Approved

A couple of years ago Illinois made it easier to get forms notarized by allowing the whole process to play out online.  Important documents — the volumes of paperwork that go along with buying or selling a home, for example, or granting the power of attorney — require notarization.  It’s a form of protection against fraud.  But that protection can be a pain, when a notary is hard to locate, or if the parties aren’t located in Illinois.

E-Notary allows both the customer and notary to sign with an electronic signature, and to electronically attach both the notarial certificate and notary seal to a document.  However, notaries around the state have not added the electronic commission to what they do.

In order to increase the number, State Representative Ryan Spain (R-Peoria) is sponsoring legislation in the Illinois House which for a period of 2 years waves the $25 fee for electronic notaries.

Officials say that with the advent of online notarization services, the notary industry has experienced changes that have made the process of notarizing documents more efficient and accessible, with greater convenience, efficiency, and security while expanding access to notary services for individuals and businesses.

Senate Bill 1573 was approved in the House Judiciary-Civil committee on a vote of 20-0 and heads to the full House for consideration.