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Massachusetts’ mortgage industry can expect to see documents notarized virtually in the years ahead as the process known as remote online notarization becomes permanent in Massachusetts.

RON became law in Massachusetts after it was included as part of the supplemental budget signed by Gov. Maura Healey on Wednesday.

The law, which goes into effect next year, will allow notaries to remotely acknowledge electronic signatures. Massachusetts law requires an attorney for real estate closings, and the new keeps the attorney’s role as part of the process.

The secretary of the commonwealth’s office will establish regulations for RON technology and requirements to prove the signer’s identity. The secretary of the commonwealth will also create a registry of certified technology providers that notaries can use.

The law allows the secretary of the commonwealth’s office to require notaries to go through an in-person or online course covering the requirements for conducting remote notarizations. The course could be offered by the state or an approved vendor.

A temporary measure has been in place since the start of the pandemic allowing for a virtual process where what’s known as ink-signed, or “wet,” documents get notarized.