Bill > SB373

This bill updates Georgia's notary public laws to accommodate electronic notarization by introducing new definitions and provisions for digital notarial acts. The bill defines key terms such as "electronic notarial certificate" (a digital record completed by a notary with their electronic signature and seal), "electronic seal" (digital information containing required notary details), and "electronic signature" (a digital symbol or process attached to a record with intent to sign). The legislation allows notaries to use electronic seals alongside traditional physical seals, permits notaries to sign documents electronically using their commission name, and provides guidelines for creating and using electronic notarial certificates. Specifically, the bill updates requirements for notary seals to include digital formats, enables notaries to use electronic signatures and seals when performing notarial acts, and ensures that both physical and electronic notarizations are legally valid. The changes modernize notary practices to reflect technological advancements while maintaining the core legal principles of authentication and verification. The bill will become effective upon approval by the Governor or when it becomes law without approval.

Justice

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/72063