Remote Notarization: What to Expect from an Online Notary
As technology develops, more and more pieces of life have moved online, and notarization is one of them. Remote online notarization is a secure and convenient experience for getting documents notarized online from the comfort of your own home. This is different from electronic notarization: electronic involves signing an electronic document in person with a notary, while online notarization is completely remote. RON (remote online notarization) is quick and easy, taking about fifteen minutes from start (identity verification) to finish (completing the notarization), so it’s a great option for people who may not have time to go through the process of meeting with a notary in person. Not all states permit online notarizations, however, or there may be state-specific laws surrounding online notarization, so you should always make sure to do your research on whether RON is valid in your state before scheduling an appointment with an online notary.
Once you have confirmed that your state allows remote notarization, you can begin the RON process. Since handling a notarization remotely is a different experience than getting a document notarized in person, here’s what you can expect from an online notary.
- Before the Session
The first step will be to schedule a video call with a certified notary. Popular and trustworthy websites like Notarize.com and OnlineNotary.us will make it simple to schedule a call at a time and date that works for you.
To prepare for your call, confirm that the document you have at hand is the correct one to be notarized. This will streamline the process so you will not have to waste time searching for the right document during the appointment. Also, make sure to have a valid government-issued photo ID handy for the identity verification portion of the call, like a driver’s license or a passport, as this is required in order to proceed with notarization of your document.
- Video Conference
At the predetermined date and time of your appointment with the online notary, connect with the notary via a secure video call with a functioning camera, microphone, and Internet connection. Missing any of these important pieces can lead to an inability to proceed with the next steps of the online notarization and you may have to reschedule to a later date when you will have access to a working camera, microphone, and Internet.
- Identity Verification
The signer has to personally appear before the notary in real time with both functional audio and visual, so you will need to make sure that you are in a space where you can have both your camera and microphone turned on. The notary will have you confirm your identity before proceeding with the notarization, so, again, make sure to have a valid government-issued photo ID with you for this step. Traditional identity proofing-methods outside of a photo ID include knowledge-based authentication, credential analysis, personal knowledge, and an oath of a credible witness. These first two methods are only for remote online notarizations.
- Document Review and Signing
Once your identity has been verified, you will review the document with the notary to ensure that everything is correct before notarization. After verifying the document and the information inside it, you will digitally sign the document via computer, tablet, or mobile device using a website like DocuSign.
- The Notary’s Role
The notary will attach his or her electronic seal and digital certification to the document once it has been signed. He or she will also record all details of the notarization in their digital journal, as well as creating an audio and visual recording of the session.
- Completion and Delivery
Finally, after the document has been signed and the electronic seal has been affixed, your call with a remote online notary is finished! You will receive an electronic copy of the notarized document for your purposes, and you may need to pay for the notarization service if you did not pay before your scheduled call.
Remote online notarization is a quick, easy, and reasonably-priced way to get documents notarized within the comfort of your own home. If you’re pressed for time or resources, RON is an excellent way to handle your notarization needs!
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