SPRINGFIELD – The work of Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) and an Electronic Notarization Task Force produced a report detailing the benefits for Illinoisans that was provided to the governor and General Assembly, and its findings led to a measure sponsored by Holmes that has been signed by the governor on Friday.

Senate Bill 2664 sets standards for appointment as an electronic notary, creates definitions for electronic notarization; codifies best practices of the National Association of Notaries for electronic notarization; and implements safeguards to ensure the integrity of the technology and the process of electronic notarization.

“I was convinced this was a step to update a process many people use but sometimes can’t find a notary nearby,” Holmes said. “Over the past year, the need for a convenient, protected method for notarization for businesses and consumers became even more obvious.”

With remote notarization, a signer appears before the notary using audio-visual technology over the internet instead of being present in the same room. Documents are uploaded and sent to the signer, the authentication process occurs, then the notary joins the signer for a two-way audio/video session that is recorded and copies of the executed documents are returned to the parties involved.

In the U.S., 25 other states had laws governing electronic notarization as of May 2020 and several more have legislation in the works.

Some portions of Senate Bill 2664 takes effect Jan. 1, 2022. Others depending on rule making required by the Secretary of State’s Office will take effect July 1, 2022.