SB 696: California's Online Notarization Act

Understanding the legislation that enables remote online notarization in California.

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Bill Overview

Senate Bill (SB) 696, authored by Senator Portantino and signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom on September 30, 2023, implements the Online Notarization Act. This legislation authorizes California notaries to perform notarial transactions through audio-visual communication and online notarization platforms.

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Signed into Law

September 30, 2023 by Governor Gavin Newsom

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Implementation Timeline

The bill becomes operative in stages, with different sections taking effect at different times:

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January 1, 2024 - Effective

The new law became effective

Operative sections: Government Code sections 8232 through 8232.4 and Civil Code sections 1182 and 1183

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January 1, 2025 - Upcoming

Additional provisions become operative

Operative section: Government Code section 8231.18

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Technology Project Completion

Full implementation pending Secretary of State's technology project

The rest of the bill becomes operative when the Secretary of State completes the necessary technology project or by January 1, 2030, whichever is earlier.

Key Provisions

Remote Capabilities

Authorizes notaries to perform notarial acts through audio-visual communication technology, expanding access to notarial services.

Platform Requirements

Establishes standards for online notarization platforms to ensure security, compliance, and proper record-keeping.

Identity Verification

Requires robust identity verification procedures to maintain the integrity of the notarization process in a digital environment.

Record Keeping

Mandates specific record-keeping requirements for remote online notarizations to ensure accountability and legal compliance.

Important Considerations

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Platform Compliance

Not all platforms claiming RON compliance actually meet state requirements. Verification of true compliance is essential.

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Education Needs

There is a significant need for education about digital certificates, cybersecurity, and proper RON procedures.

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Ongoing Development

Implementation details continue to evolve as the Secretary of State develops the necessary technology infrastructure.

Official Information

"Posted October 24, 2023 - SB 696 (Portantino) Notaries Public - Remote Online Notarization (RON)

Senate Bill (SB) 696, which was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom on September 30, 2023, implements the Online Notarization Act which authorizes California notaries to perform notarial transactions through the use of audio-visual communication and online notarization platforms to provide notarial services.

The new law was effective on January 1, 2024, and the bill is operative in stages. Government Code sections 8232 through 8232.4 and Civil Code sections 1182 and 1183 were operative on January 1, 2024. Government Code section 8231.18 becomes operative on January 1, 2025. The rest of the bill shall become operative when the Secretary of State has completed the technology project necessary to implement the new provisions or by January 1, 2030, whichever is earlier."