Notarize Documents At Home: The New Way

In many cases, a notarization is a significant event in a person’s life. If you’re purchasing a house, adopting a child, getting married, or writing a will, you’ll likely require the services of a notary public. The National Notary Association estimated in 2017 that there were more than 4.4 million notaries in the United States. Online notary services, which provide the same service as in-person notaries, have grown in popularity.

Remote online notarization (RON) is a new concept that may be both exciting and intimidating at the same time. However, there are certain advantages to using RON instead of physically notarizing documents. It has been legalized in 40 states. Many people searching for the best online notary services are baffled by the sheer number of choices available.  

Here are all the specifics you need to know about this new method of document notarization to make the transition easier.

What Exactly Is an Online Notary?

Notarizing a document over the internet with the help of technology such as electronic signatures, identity verification, audio-visual and electronic notarial journals, and record-keeping are the procedures known as remote notarization.  

By using these tools, notaries can notarize documents safely and efficiently while making the process more efficient and cost-effective. It is possible for the notary public and the person signing the document to perform a notarial act using their mobile devices rather than meeting in person at a notary office. This is possible in states where it is allowed by law.

The legality of Online Notarization

In the United States, online notarization laws are becoming more and more common. RON legislation was initially introduced in Virginia in 2011, with Montana following suit in 2015. Nearly all of the states have either legislated or issued executive directives or temporary regulations allowing notary publics to perform RON acts. In addition to electronic signatures and audio-visual technology, new notarization methods have emerged. IPEN (in-person electronic notarization) and remote ink-signed notarized (remote ink-signed notarization) are the two most notable (RIN). 

RON’s convenience is clear to anyone who has had to find and visit a notary public to sign a document. However, RON has various advantages over traditional paper-based notarization methods. To find out more, keep reading. 

Key Benefits of Remote Online Notarization

Minimize Printing, Postage, And Paper 

Remote online notarization eliminates the need for paper, printing, and mailing altogether. All the paper and FedEx bags and empty ink cartridges have vanished. You will be able to enjoy the savings in your bank account due to the significant reduction in your operational expenses. Every penny saved in running an online notarization business also implies reduced charges to users and clients. 

Securely Notarize And Sign

Your RON provider can make the documents you sign and notarize even more secure than the physical counterparts. The use of digital certificates, identity proofing, and credential analysis ensure that the persons on the other side of the RON session are who they claim they are, preventing identity theft. 

Faster Notarized Process 

You can sign, notarize, and email documents in one day now that everything is digital. These documents can be saved, categorized, and easily accessed on your computer, allowing for better information retention and retrieval if necessary.

Which Document Types Can You Notarize Remotely? 

Numerous professionals have recognized that RON substantially improves the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of signing and notarizing papers. However, RON can also be utilized in various other industries, from business to technology to retail to law and government. Below, you’ll find a few of the most common documents:

• Deeds 
• Child Custody Agreement 
• Affidavits and motions 
• Auto title transfers 
• Retirement distributions 
• Beneficiary changes 
• HR documents 
• Certificate of incumbency 
• Corporate lease agreements 
• Retail rental agreements

How Can You Notarize Documents Remotely? 

A few companies offer unique features and alternatives, but most of them follow a standard procedure for remote notarization. You will need access to a reliable internet connection to perform the online notarization. You also need audio and video technology to connect with a virtual live notary via your computer, tablet, or mobile device. Your document could get uploaded to the company’s web platform as soon as your account is activated. The notary will begin by verifying your identity.  

Typically, a legitimate state or government-issued ID will suffice to confirm identity. The notary will notarize your paper after you have confirmed your identity. Access to a digitally signed document is granted when the notarization has been completed.

What’s The Cost of Remote Online Notary Services? 

Most online notary firms charge $25 for every notarization. Pricing for commercial and enterprise clients, on the other hand, may differ. One-time fees can be as high as $300 for some commercial solutions, although subscription fees as low as $57 or $99 per month are more common, depending on the organization and its features. Extra services may comprise but are not limited to adding numerous users, expanding the platform’s capabilities, and providing more robust customer support.  

An in-person notary public may collect fees for acknowledgments, jurats, oral oaths, and travel reimbursements, but an electronic notary public does not. In some states, a notary public can charge up to the state fee cap, depending on where you live, for each of these services. 

How to Choose The Best Online Notary Services 

There are many possibilities available if you’re in the market for an online notary. The industry has seen a steady rise in the popularity of online notary services in recent years, and more online notary services mean it may be harder to find the right one. Consider the background, track record, and unique selling propositions of each organization as a starting point for your search. The next following approach is to check out the platforms and applications used by each organization offering online notary services. Please examine the notarization method, speed of service, and pricing of each company before completing your investigation.

Conclusion

Since you are now aware of the advantages of RON, you should consider whether or not it would be beneficial for your team to use RON to complete the notarization requirements. But before you make a final decision on a vendor, you should make sure that the one you have in mind has a good reputation, satisfies your state’s legal requirements, and contributes to the upkeep of notarization best practices.