SCHULTZ WARNS OF VIRGINIA NOTARY LAW Secretary of State Warns of Potential Fraud Affecting Iowans

State of Iowa Seal

(Des Moines, IA) Today, Iowa Secretary of State Matt Schultz issued a statement of warning about a new Virginia state law regarding notary publics. Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell signed House File 2318, which allows Virginia notaries to perform notarial acts via video and audio technology without the signer of the electronic document having to be physically present before the notary public in Virginia.

Secretary Schultz, “As Secretary of State with responsibility over the notary process in Iowa, it is my job to duly inform the public that this law puts them at risk. Under this new law, Iowans using the online notary subject themselves to Virginia law and any court challenge of the notary actions would require action in Virginia. With over 55,000 Iowa notaries, it’s never been easier to use the notary process in Iowa and there is no need to take the risk associated with this Virginia law.”

The National Notary Association has stated the consumers in any of the 50 states injured by these acts will necessarily have to go out of state to seek redress, and it is unclear whether Iowa will be able to extradite the wrongdoers to protect our citizens from fraud.

“The notarization process is intended to deter fraud. A notary is an impartial witness appointed by the Secretary of State that ensures that the signer is who they say they are. Iowans should use our local notaries and in person signature to protect themselves,” said Schultz.

Iowans with questions regarding the notary process or this Virginia law should contact the Iowa Secretary of State at www.sos.state.ia.us, sos@sos.state.ia.us or 515-281-5204.