In recent years, remote online notary has emerged as a revolutionary way of notarizing documents. Remote online notary enables notarization of documents over the internet, without the need for physical presence of the notary public and the signer. In this article, we will explore what remote online notary is, how it works, and its benefits.
What is Remote Online Notary?
Remote online notary, also known as RON, is a process of notarizing documents through the internet using audio-video technology. A remote online notary can be conducted from anywhere in the world, and the signer and the notary public need not be physically present in the same location.
How does Remote Online Notary Work?
To conduct a remote online notary, the signer and the notary public need to have access to a computer, tablet or smartphone with a camera and audio capabilities.
The signer and the notary public then connect through a secure audio-video link, which allows them to see, hear and communicate with each other. The notary public verifies the signer’s identity using one or more identity verification methods such as knowledge-based authentication, biometric identification, or credential analysis.
Once the identity is verified, the notary public electronically notarizes the document and attaches an electronic seal to it. The electronically notarized document is then delivered to the signer.
Benefits of Remote Online Notary
Convenience: Remote online notary offers convenience that traditional notary services cannot match. The signer can complete the notarization process from the comfort of their home or office, saving them time and effort.
Accessibility: Remote online notary makes notarization services like loan signings amongst others accessible to everyone, especially for those who are unable to travel or have mobility issues.
Time-saving: Remote online notary saves time for the signer by eliminating the need to travel to a notary’s office, wait in line, and complete the notarization process.
Security: Remote online notary is conducted through a secure audio-video link, which ensures that the notarization process is secure and tamper-proof.
Legal Status of Remote Online Notary
Remote online notary has gained legal recognition in many states in the US. As of September 2021, 32 states have enacted laws allowing remote online notarization. The laws specify the requirements for conducting remote online notarization and the types of documents that can be notarized remotely. It is important to note that not all documents can be notarized remotely, and it is important to check with the notary public or the state laws to determine if remote online notarization is an option for a particular document.
Choosing a Remote Online Notary Service Provider
Choosing a reliable and trustworthy remote online notary service provider is crucial to ensure that the notarization process is done correctly and in a timely manner. Here are some tips on how to choose a remote online notary service provider:
Check the service provider’s credentials: Ensure that the service provider is authorized to conduct remote online notarization in your state.
Check the service provider’s reputation: Check the service provider’s reviews and ratings on online platforms to ensure that they are reliable and trustworthy.
Check the service provider’s technology: Ensure that the service provider uses secure and reliable technology for conducting remote online notarization.