|
Having trouble viewing this email? View the Web Version here. |
|
|
Doing RON Right
Remote Online Notarization (RON) is being used in Montana and around the country to address situations where traditional in-person notarization is not feasible. Montana was the second state in the country to adopt technology-based notarization in 2015 with limited, Montana-centered, restrictions. Our legislature expanded the capability significantly in 2019. The use of technology for the performance of notarial acts did not find widespread acceptance until the pandemic hit in the spring of 2020, when in-person contact for routine transactions became severely restricted. Suddenly, the interest in, and demand for, notarizations using communication technology spiked.
 As of January 1, 2020, only 20 states had adopted RON statutes.
 By July 31, 2021, 46 states have either permanent or temporary RON authorizations.
In Montana, we saw the number of RON-qualified notaries jump from none in March of 2020 to more than 70 in three months. As of June 30, 2021, there are 169 electronic and remote notaries in Montana. While many of these remote qualified notaries are providing services only within the scope of their employment, there are some individuals who are available to the public.
According to Montana notary Donna Wulfemeyer, who began offering RON last summer, the experience has been both challenging and rewarding. She noted that there were some unexpected technical issues she ran into. Wulfemeyer converted her mobile signing business to online only, which she says is “much less stressful and gives me more time for myself.” She focuses on loan signings and works with lenders, such as Quicken, and various title companies that she had established relationships with prior to Covid. She admitted that there is a significant learning curve for the notaries, the platform providers, and the title companies or lenders in prepping the documents and putting all of the other pieces together, but generally the signers have found the experience to be a positive one.
There are several approved RON providers available to Montana RON notaries. Notaries are advised to do their homework before signing up with any provider to make sure that the platform accommodates the types of requests the notary intends to offer. Some platforms, for example, are designed for the financial and real estate transactions; others are focused on the legal profession, and other platforms are designed for general notary work. There are several groups on social media where notaries can find recommendations and information about the various RON platforms.
Montana notaries who are interested in offering RON services must complete an approved training class and exam that covers the laws, rules, and ethics of technology-based notarization. The course is online and available through the 406 Notary Academy web page.
|
|
|
UPDATING YOUR NOTARY INFORMATION:
It is easier than ever for Montana notaries to keep their notary records up-to-date and accurate with the SOS Enterprise Online Filing Portal. Administrative Rule of Montana (ARM), 44.15.106, requires that a notary public shall notify the Secretary of State within 30 calendar days of any change in the information on file, including the notary public’s name, physical/residential address, mailing address, employer, personal or work email address, personal or work phone number, or use of electronic notarization system or communication technology.
If you’ve had a recent (or possibly not-so-recent) change in any of the above information, it will only take a few minutes to update your records. Simply go to Online Business Services | Montana Secretary of State (sosmt.gov) and login with your ePass account (create one if you do not have one yet), then complete the following steps:
- Click on “Update/Renew/Resign Your Commission” from the Notary box in the middle of the screen;
- Enter your name in the Search field and click on your name in the table that pops up at the bottom of the screen;
- When the gold window opens on the left side of the screen, click on “Filing Actions” and
- Click on “Notary Public Amendment.”
- Make whatever changes are needed.
If you need to change your name, you will have to contact your bonding agency first and obtain a rider for your bond before updating the file. Amended certificates will automatically be created for changes to your name or your city of residence and can be downloaded from the system as soon as the filing is reviewed and approved, usually within a day.
|
|
 NATIONAL NOTARY ASSOCIATION HONORS MONTANA’S LORI HAMM
The Office of the Secretary of State is proud to announce that Lori Hamm, Montana Notary Administrator, has been selected as the National Notary Association 2021 recipient of the March Fong Eu Achievement Award.
The honor is given annually to an individual who “strives to improve standards, professionalism and effectiveness of the Notary Public office in the United States,” according to the NNA.
“This is such an incredible and deserving honor for Lori,” said Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen. “She is fully committed to promoting the notary profession, she has dedicated her career to improving notary education and training, and her passion for her profession is truly contagious.”
Hamm began her career at the Montana Secretary of State’s Office 17 years ago and has since become one of the top notary administrators in the country. She has led notary conferences, taught notary training courses and introduced legislation that helped the Montana Secretary of State’s office require notary education and journal requirements.
Hamm has also assisted notary officials across the country in implementing and improving their own rules, regulations and resources.
“To paraphrase a very wise man, 'If I have achieved anything, it is because I have stood on the shoulders of giants. ‘My mentors, my inspiration, my friends; true giants of the notary world. I am so blessed to be able to walk among them,” said Hamm. “I am humbled and grateful to receive the March Fong Eu Award.”
|
|
The Mission of the Office of the Secretary of State is to protect the integrity of elections, be an asset to businesses and preserve official history. |
|
|
|
|
