ALTA strives to help members identify the benefits and risks associated with digital closings in order to put the industry in the best position to solve problems and inspire innovative ideas. ALTA is your source for tools and education about various aspects of digital closing and provide information about the availability of technological advances such as remote online rotary (RON).
Resources
- 2023 Digital Closing Survey Results (Member-only Access)
- Remote Online Notarization FAQs - February 2021
- RON Workflow
- ALTA's Principles for Remote Notarization
- ALTA's 2017 Principles for Remote Online Notarization (RON)
- Notarization Types and Terminology
This infographic breaks down the various ways notarizations can occur and explains their capabilities and requirements. - Digital Closing Readiness Checklist
- Digital Closing Statutes
ALTA members have access to this state-by-state list of digital closing statutes. - List of MERS eRegistry Participants
An Introduction to Digital Closings for Consumers
Thanks to innovations by the title and settlement services industry, consumers can close on their dream home from the comfort of their couch in most cases. This video is meant as a baseline introduction to digital closings.
Federal Legislation
The Securing and Enabling Commerce Using Remote and Electronic Notarization Act of 2023 (SECURE Notarization Act) would permit immediate nationwide use of remote online notary (RON) with minimum standards and provide certainty for the interstate recognition of RON.
Resources for Finding RON Vendors
- ALTA Marketplace
- Fannie Mae Vendor List (scroll to middle of page)
- Freddie Mac Vendor List
State Laws Authorizing Remote e-Notarization
Emergency orders and guidance issued by states on RON do not necessarily conform with the ALTA-MBA model or RULONA standards for consumer protections and anti-fraud safeguards. The powers of entities to issue such orders should to be reviewed on a state-by-state basis. Prior to relying on any emergency order or guidance, you should contact your underwriter. 48 states and the District of Columbia have either passed a RON law or issued an executive order pertaining to remotely notarizing documents, some have done both.
Please email any additional orders or guidance not listed to eblosser@alta.org.
Green indicates when RON laws were passed with darker green more recently. Click on each state for links to Laws and Regulations. Click "x" to close.
Digital Closing Articles
Recent 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019
ALTA Survey: Digital Closings Increase, but Barriers Slow Adoption
Fully digital or hybrid closings increased to 10% of all transactions last year compared to 7% of all deals closed in 2021, according to a study conducted by ALTA. The survey included results from 399 title professionals and businesses that operate across 46 states and Washington, D.C. Read on for details.
California Passes RON Legislation
California joined 44 other states that have passed legislation allowing for remote online notarization (RON). Senate Bill 696, which awaits the signature of California Gov. Gavin Newsom, authorizes a notary located in the state to perform RON.
ALTA, More Than 100 Groups Send Letter of Support for SECURE to Senators
ALTA and a coalition of more than 100 other businesses and trade associations sent a letter to Sens. Cramer (R-N.D.) and Mark Warner (D-Va.) expressing support for the bipartisan Securing and Enabling Commerce Using Remote and Electronic Notarization Act (SECURE).
House Passes ALTA-supported SECURE Act
The U.S. House of Representatives passed by a voice vote on Feb. 27 the ALTA-supported bipartisan SECURE Notarization Act of 2023 (SECURE).
New York Issues RON Regulations
The New York State Department of State issued regulations for remote online notarizations (RON) that went into effect Jan. 25.