Everyone is looking forward to the day that it becomes safe to lift COVID-19 restrictions and return to normal daily activities. When this happens, Notaries need to keep the following important points in mind when performing notarizations post-coronavirus:
1. Check The Deadline For Any Emergency Rules Regarding Expired Signer ID
During COVID-19, many state agencies were closed, making it difficult or impossible for many people to renew expiring state-issued IDs such as driver’s licenses. Some states, such as California, Georgia and Maryland, issued emergency orders temporarily allowing Notaries to accept signer driver’s licenses that expired during the shutdown. If your state has issued such an order, stay aware of the date the order expires — you will not be able to accept expired signer IDs as proof of identity for notarizations once the emergency order ends. And, if you are a Notary of another state, you’ll also need to know this so you won’t inadvertently accept an expired license presented to you by a document signer of one of these states.
2. Some Signers May Still Ask For PPE And Additional Safety Precautions
Even after lockdown restrictions are lifted — and until everyone is vaccinated — remember that there are still risks of transmitting coronavirus between signers and Notaries, and some signers may be especially susceptible to contracting it. Notaries should still expect and honor requests to use personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks and gloves — and use hand sanitizer and cleansing wipes — when meeting signers. Have an ample supply of these items on hand so that you can use them on demand.
3. Be Prepared For Appointment Challenges
While some states are starting to lift COVID-19 restrictions, public meeting places for mobile Notary appointments such as coffee shops, restaurants and libraries may still be closed or have limited accessibility. Also, customers still may be uneasy about having strangers in their homes. Resorting to porch or window separated signings may be a necessary and viable way to meet people and conduct notarizations at their homes even after your area opens up.
David Thun is an Associate Editor at the National Notary Association.