Senate Bill 680 - Remote Notarization Act

• Allows North Carolina notaries to perform remote online notarizations using communication technology enabling real-time audiovisual interaction between notary and principal, with both parties physically present in North Carolina.

• Requires remote online notaries to register with Secretary of State, complete a 2-hour approved course, and maintain electronic journals recording each notarization with required information and communication technology recordings retained for 10 years.

• Prohibits remote online notarization for certain sensitive documents including self-proved wills, advance directives, health care powers of attorney, trusts, and durable powers of attorney (except statutory limited powers for real estate).

• Permits identity verification through personal knowledge, government-issued identification, satisfactory evidence, or identity proofing with credential analysis using knowledge-based authentication requiring 80% correct answers on five or more security questions.

• Sets maximum fees for remote online notarizations at $50 per signature for acknowledgments, jurats, verifications/proofs, and oaths/affirmations; increases general notary maximum fees from $5 to $10 per signature, effective January 1, 2022.