By allowing Remote Online Notarization, Oregon can keep a critical part of the real estate purchase and refinancing infrastructure functioning while also promoting the goals of social distancing and ensuring compliance with Governor Browns “Stay Home, Save Lives” Executive Order.

Remote Online Notarization (RON) allows the consumer and notary to be in different locations using two-way audiovisual communication, multifactor identification proofing and secure document transmission to securely execute electronic documents.

Prior to the COVID-19 crisis, twenty-three states allowed RON.  Since then, several additional states have enacted RON through legislation, executive orders, or accelerating implementation of laws already passed but not yet in effect.  Oregon is now in a minority of states that does not allow some form of RON at least on a temporary basis.

Last week OAR sent a letter to Secretary of State Bev Clarno Remote Online Notarization Letter arguing that under current law Oregon should be accepting RONs conducted by notarial officers of other states that allow them.  We are also looking into the possibility of legislation to authorize RONs during Oregon’s emergency legislative session, likely to take place next week.

We have been in communication with state officials all of whom believe this is an important issue and are working to develop a solution that allows for some form of remote notarization in Oregon during this crisis.  We will keep you posted on updates.