Remote Notarization Legislation
LOUISIANA REALTORS • March 27, 2020
(MARCH 28, 2020) REMOTE NOTARIZATION
Governor Edwards issued an executive order authorizing remote notarization
Thursday, March 26th. The order does not allow authentic acts to be completed by remote notarization. Authentic acts are used to close real estate transactions with financing so lenders can foreclose by executory process. This means that most closings are done by authentic act and cannot be completed with remote notarization even with the order. The Louisiana Notary Association questions Governor Edwards’ authority to authorize this by executive order.
Louisiana REALTORS® is in communication with the Louisiana Bankers Association, the Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin’s office and Governor Edwards’ office to try to get this changed if the order remains in place. At this time, please defer to your title company and lender on this subject.
FEDERAL LEGISLATION FILED TO AUTHORIZE REMOTE NOTARIZATION
On May 19, 2020, legislation was filed in the U.S. Congress to permit immediate nationwide use of Remote Online Notarizations (RONs), a type of electronic notarization where the notary and signer are in different physical locations. The bill is called the “Securing and Enabling Commerce Using Remote and Electronic (SECURE) Notarization Act of 2020.”
If passed, the SECURE Notarization Act would authorize every notary in the United States to perform RONs, require tamper-evident technology in electronic notarizations, and require fraud prevention through use of multifactor authentication.
The Louisiana Legislature has considered this type of legislation at the state level for several years now and it has not passed. However, should the federal legislation pass as introduced it would allow your real estate transactions in Louisiana to be completed remotely thereby protecting you and your clients from the Coronavirus.
The legislation is endorsed by the American Land Title Association (ALTA), Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) and the National Association of Realtors (NAR).
2025 Extraordinary Legislative Session Wrap-up
Discover how real estate professionals can use technology to enhance client relationships, streamline transactions, and stand out in a digital market.
Louisiana REALTORS® wraps up 2025 and looks forward to 2026! Louisiana REALTORS® gathered in Baton Rouge from October 7–8 for the 2025 Fall Governance Meetings, a dynamic two-day event filled with professional development, strategic planning and member engagement. The day before the conference offered the conclusion to the 2025 LR Leadership Program with participants graduated from the yearlong program after a half-day session. The 2025 graduates include: Torri Byrd, Shawn Carter, Bradley Cook, Stefany Deroche, Mignon Richard Díaz, Alfra Dixon, Thaddeus Dixon, Glen Elliott, Yvonne Graham, Charlotte Johnson, Michelle LaBanca, Slagle McGuffee, Ellen Monroe, Matt Noel, Ros Pack, Tiffany Pellerin, Latonia Riggs, Shannon Rodi Nash, Trish Skellham, Rebecca Slone and Charlotte St. Romain. Additionally, a sold-out, full-day AI-Powered Real Estate Professional Certification course led by industry expert Matthew Rathbun blew away attendees and had them leaving the session with such invigoration. The first official day of the conference held focus on professional development and networking. Tuesday opened with an informative session entitled Professional Liability 101 from Rice Insurance Services Center, offering critical insights into E&O and risk management. RPR's session brought a wealth information to attendees and offered a hands-on learning experience for the tools offered online. Targeted sessions like the Local AE Meeting and the YPN Advisory Council Open Meeting provided space for peer exchange and innovation. The day concluded with a festive Opening Reception sponsored by Louisiana YPN, bringing members together to celebrate and connect. The next day offered collaboration and celebration with Closing the Affordability Gap, presented by the Louisiana Housing Corporation, equipping REALTORS® with tools to better serve clients in today’s market. Regional caucuses followed, allowing members from across Louisiana to discuss local issues and share best practices. The Board of Directors Meeting brought the governance portion of the event to a close with strategic decisions for the year ahead. At the Board Meeting, Chris Brock, Northeast REALTORS® of Louisiana; Trish Leleux, Greater Central LA REALTORS® Association; Synde Devillier, Bayou Board of REALTORS®; Scott McCubbin, Bayou Board of REALTORS®; Amber Morrow, Greater Fort Polk Area REALTORS®; and David Moses, Greater Central LA REALTORS® Association; were elected as 2026 At-Large Directors. The grand finale? A spirited LSU Pregame Fan Experience and the highly anticipated Installation Ceremony, where new leadership was formally welcomed in a celebration of community and commitment. Louisiana REALTORS® looks forward to hosting REALTORS® from around the state at the Winter Leadership Conference, March 3-4, 2026, at the Live! Casino & Hotel in Bossier City. We would like to thank our sponsors Greater Baton Rouge Association of REALTORS® (GBRAR) , Zillow , Dax Roy Appraisals, Supra, American Home Shield, Guard Home Warranty fo r their generous support in helping make this conference happen!
