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Union County Clerk Advises Notaries on Conducting “Virtual” Business during COVID-19 Outbreak

Union County, NJ – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi reminds notaries that a new state law enables them to notarize certain documents remotely during the COVID-19 outbreak using audio-visual technology, under specified conditions.

“The new law helps to maintain business momentum in New Jersey and here in Union County, by providing a technology-based solution that supports COVID-19 prevention guidelines calling for limiting in-person contacts,” said Ms. Rajoppi.

Ms. Rajoppi emphasized that the law is primarily aimed at business transactions. In-person notarization of documents is still required for matters of family law and other specified circumstances.

“In particular, the real estate market is critical to economic health in Union County, and the new law will enable these transactions to continue safely,” said Ms. Rajoppi.

The new procedures are spelled out in Assembly Bill A-3903, which New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed into law on April 15.

Under the new law, notaries and other authorized officers can notarize certain documents using audio-video technology, during the time in which the statewide public health emergency is in effect as called for by Executive Order 103.

The law specifies that the notary must know the identity of the individual requesting notarization, either personally, through a witness, or through two types of identification. In addition, the notary must be able to confirm that the document before them is the same as the one affirmed or assigned by the individual.

The law also requires notaries to maintain an audio-visual recording of the notarization.

For more information about all County Clerk programs and services, visit online at ucnj.org/county-clerk or call 908-527-4787.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for the Union County Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, visit ucnj.org/coronavirus-update.

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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