Missouri Gov. Mike Parson has issued an executive order suspending the statutory requirement that official documents be notarized in person.
The executive order, issued April 6, comes following pressure from the notary public community, attorneys, and Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft amid concern vital documents would not be signed and authorized during the Covid-19 crisis.
Under the order, documents can be authorized remotely using audio-video technology, either through a mix of video conferencing and fax machines, where a paper document is required quickly, or via dedicated web based platforms.
A number of bills were filed in the Missouri legislature to allow remote notarization, but the state had to step in as it was argued the need for such a system was vital, notably for the sick or elderly, but also general commerce. The order is in place until May 15.
Twenty-three states have enacted legislation allowing for authorization remotely.
"The executive orders show how vital to life and commerce that notarization is," Bill Anderson, vice president of government affairs with the National Notary Association, told the St. Louis Record. "There has been 30 executive orders and they would not issuing them if notaries were not that important."
Anderson also noted that at federal level bills have been introduced that allow remote notarization involving interstate commerce, but they are stalled as Congress is in recess until April 20.
Commerce has to continue during the COVID-19 crisis, said Anderson, and a notary public is needed across the spectrum, from mortgages, insurance, health care and estate planning, among other areas.
"It is vital for the integrity of the system," Anderson added.
In a statement issued after signing the order, Gov. Parson said, "It’s important for us in state government to work together to remove barriers to keep Missourians moving forward during this time.
“We need to do everything we can to ensure Missourians can still safely enter into contracts, sign mortgages, and update wills and personal health care directives without placing themselves or their notary at risk.”
Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, who lobbied the governor for the order, added that it “is vital to protecting the safety of thousands of Notaries Public, who are often asked to visit homes and businesses to notarize documents," according to a report in Missouri Lawyers Media.
Registered notaries have to sign up as electronic notaries public. Information is available at www.sos.mo.gov, via email at commissions@sos.mo.gov or call 573-751-2783.