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Georgia Legislature Takes Steps to Reduce Property Fraud

by the American Association of Notaries

The Georgia legislature recently took a big step forward to reduce property fraud. On May 2, 2024, it passed House Bill 1292, which contains several provisions aimed at achieving this goal. These include:

  • Requiring clerks of the superior courts to obtain photographic identification cards of individuals who present deeds or other instruments for recording.
  • Redefining how a notary can confirm the identity of a document signer, oath taker, or affirmant.
  • Requiring clerks to retain specific information pertaining to real estate-related documents.
  • Requiring notaries to maintain a written or electronic journal for self-filers.
  • Defining the term “self-filer.”
  • Listing what each journal entry must include.
  • Providing remedies for fraudulently recorded deeds or instruments.

Beyond fraud prevention, the bill also requires notaries to take a notary training class before being appointed as notaries and thirty days before subsequent renewal appointments.

Click here to read the bill.

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