Senate Bill 2456 Summary

• Enables notaries public to perform remote ink-signed notarization (RIN) and remote online notarization (RON) for individuals not physically present, using communication technology and electronic notarization systems.

• Requires notaries performing remote notarizations to verify identity through personal knowledge or at least two types of identity proofing, and to create audiovisual recordings of the notarial act.

• Allows notarial officers to certify tangible copies of electronic records as true and correct, and permits the Secretary of State to establish higher fee schedules for various notarial services beyond the current $5 maximum.

• Requires remote notarization certificates to indicate that communication technology was used, and mandates notaries maintain audiovisual recordings for at least seven years and report them to the Secretary of State upon retirement or death.

• Changes the effective date of Mississippi's notarial act provisions from July 1, 2021 to July 1, 2025, and amends acknowledgment forms to allow digital appearances through e-notary vendors.