Join Paralegal Helen Kasic as she takes us through the steps so that you can make sure notarization and witnessing of documents done remotely are being validly executed.

By Executive Order 2020-14 dated March 26, 2020, Governor Pritzker authorized remote notarization via two-way audio-video communication technology, provided that the notary is physically within the state and the detailed guidance posted by the Illinois Secretary of State is followed. Unless counterparts are expressly forbidden in a document, separate counterparts by parties in different locations are deemed permitted.

The Order also contains detailed requirements by which remote witnessing may occur. Very similar to the notary guidance, the witness must be physically located in the state, and the signer must keep a recording for at least three years.