REN Is Coming To NC

North Carolina is preparing to modernize its notarial practices with the introduction of Remote Electronic Notarization (REN). This advancement will allow notaries to perform notarizations entirely online, using secure audio-visual technology to verify a signer’s identity and witness the execution of documents. Unlike traditional notarization, which requires all parties to be physically present, REN gives individuals and businesses the flexibility to sign important documents from almost anywhere with convenience and security.

The move to adopt Remote Electronic Notarization reflects the state’s commitment to keeping pace with today’s digital world while maintaining high standards of security and integrity. REN is expected to enhance convenience for signers, improve efficiency for notaries, and expand access to notarial services across North Carolina, especially for those in rural or remote areas. By integrating this technology, the state is not only streamlining the notarization process but also reinforcing trust in digital transactions, ultimately making legal and financial processes more accessible and efficient for residents and professionals alike.

Some keys factors are still in the works.

Revise The North Carolina Notary Guidebook & Training

Types of Notarizations

-Traditional Notarization- Standard pen and paper notarization - Executed by a commissioned NC Notary Public. CURRENTLY IN PRACTICE

-NC E-Notarization- In Person Electronic Notarization (IPEN) - Executed by a commissioned NC E-Notary Public where a notary and signer physically meet in person and electronically sign documents using a tablet. CURRENTLY IN PRACTICE

-NC Remote Electronic Notarization (REN) - Executed by a commissioned NC E-Notary Public where signer and notary virtually meet via video & audio technology to electronically sign and notarize documents without being in the same physical location. PENDING

Currently, the North Carolina Secretary of State utilizes two separate guidebooks for Notary Publics and Electronic Notary Publics, The Notary Public Manual for traditional notarial acts & The Electronic Notarization Workbook for electronic notarial acts. With the revision of both manuals, Notaries and E-Notaries will have one complete guidebook for all notarial acts in North Carolina.

The North Carolina Secretary of State has revised the new Notary Manual and it is currently under final review.

New education guidelines for North Carolina Notaries and E-Notaries are in the works and bridge courses will be provided to commissioned E-Notaries.

Review & License Technology Solution Providers

Technology platform providers will need to apply with the North Carolina Secretary of State and meet certain requirements including;

-Ability to host audio-visual meetings, allowing real-time interaction between all participants with clear, unobstructed audio and video quality

-Be able to record the entire meeting

-Accurately determine the geolocation of the signers

-Create and maintain a secure, long-term backup of the session recording

-Utilize data protection safeguards consistent with security standards

The North Carolina Secretary of State will begin reviewing applications for technology solution providers in mid-September, 2025.

North Carolina is in the final stages of enacting The Remote Electronic Notarization Act - RENA -