Remote Electronic Notarization In North Carolina Effective July 1, 2023

Prior to the enactment of the temporary Emergency Video Notarization law in 2020, all notaries were required to be in the physical presence of signers—even during electronic notarization. The physical presence requirement of the North Carolina notary laws became burdensome (or downright impossible) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The value and convenience of technology in conducting business remotely quickly came to the forefront. To solve for the problematic physical presence requirement and to keep commerce moving, North Carolina passed a temporary law authorizing Emergency Video Notarization in 2020. Emergency video notarization expired at the end of 2021 but was restored via House Bill 776 and will remain in effect until June 30, 2023. The following day, remote electronic notarization will be permanently permitted pursuant to N.C.G.S. 10B-134 of the Electronic Notary Act.