The Michigan Secretary of State’s office has updated its standards for electronic and remote notarizations to permit biometric verification as an approved identity-proofing method on authorized remote online notarization (RON) platforms.
The revised standards add biometric identity verification alongside existing approved methods including credential analysis, knowledge-based authentication, and comprehensive audit trails. Remote notarization platforms operating in Michigan can now use biometric checks, such as facial recognition matching, to confirm the identity of signers participating in online notarization sessions.
Michigan’s remote notarization framework requires authorized platforms to maintain detailed audit logs and employ multiple layers of identity verification. The addition of biometrics provides an alternative proofing method that addresses known vulnerabilities in knowledge-based authentication, which relies on personal information questions that can be compromised through data breaches.
The update reflects a broader trend among U.S. states adopting biometric identity verification for remote legal processes. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated adoption of remote notarization, and states have since been refining their technology standards to balance accessibility with identity fraud prevention.
Remote notarization platforms approved in Michigan must comply with the state’s Electronic Notary Public Act and meet technical requirements for audiovisual recording, secure credential storage, and tamper-evident audit trails. The biometric verification option adds another tool for platforms seeking to strengthen identity assurance during remote sessions.
The Michigan update aligns with growing acceptance of biometric technology in the state, even as regulatory frameworks continue to evolve around its various applications. Several RON platform providers, including those serving legal, real estate, and financial services sectors, have been integrating biometric capabilities in anticipation of expanded state-level approvals.
Sources: PR.com, Michigan Secretary of State
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By the ID Tech Editorial Team
