The COVID-19 pandemic prompted a sudden and sharp rise in electronic transactions, forcing contracting parties to quickly adapt to a remote-first world. While this shift has made business faster, it has also highlighted the critical legal requirements for electronic signatures and Remote Online Notarization (RON) that must be followed to avoid unenforceable contracts.
The COVID-19 Shift: Electronic Signature Validity
Both federal and state laws—including the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (ESIGN)—have ensured that signatures cannot be denied legal effect just because they are electronic. However, the pandemic underscored two requirements that parties often overlook when unaccustomed to remote work:
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Consent to Transact Electronically: Parties must prove they agreed to skip the “wet ink.”
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Intent to be Bound: The signature—whether a PDF, a digital software mark, or even a typed name in an email—must clearly show the signer intended to sign the contract.
Authenticity Safeguards: To prevent fraud in a remote environment, parties must meticulously document how they confirmed a signatory’s identity and ensure the document cannot be altered after the signature is applied.
Exceptions to the Digital Rule
Despite the pandemic-driven push for digital solutions, “wet ink” is still mandatory for:
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Real Estate Recording: Many county offices still lack the technology to accept electronic documents.
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Federal Reserve “BIC” Programs: Certain financial institutions must hold physical, wet-ink promissory notes to access specific “discount window” programs.
Remote Online Notarization (RON): Emergency and Permanent Measures
In direct response to the necessity of transacting business during COVID-19, several states took emergency action to permit notarization via live audio-visual technology.
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New York: Governor Cuomo issued an Executive Order allowing remote acts, provided the signer presents a valid ID during the video conference and is physically located in New York.
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New Jersey & Wisconsin: These states accelerated their legislative timelines, with Wisconsin approving platforms like Notarize.com and NotaryCam specifically to help the public during the crisis.
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Federal Level: Senators introduced the SECURE Notarization Act to standardize these remote practices nationwide.
The jbensonNotary Advantage
While the pandemic forced many businesses to scramble, jbensonNotary was built for this remote-first reality. We provide the professional precision that “emergency” retail setups often lack.
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9-Touch Accuracy Protocol: We check your digital filings 8 or 9 times to ensure they meet the specific requirements of pandemic-era and 2026-current statutes.
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Executive-Grade RON: We utilize secure, encrypted video technology that goes beyond minimum standards, providing the identity assurance you deserve for high-stakes transactions.
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White-Glove Service: Whether you are working from home or in a high-rise, we bring the human element of security to your high-tech success.
Ready to ensure your pandemic-adapted transactions are flawless? Visit www.jbensonNotary.com to secure your session today!
Category: Legal Tech | Professional Services
Tags: #COVID19Legal #RON #jbensonNotary #NYNotary #DigitalRealEstate #SECUREAct #RemoteWork2026 #ClosingSuccess