FAQs
A: Remote Online Notarization (RON) is a process where documents are notarized in an electronic form by a notary public using a secure online platform. This technology enables the notary to verify a signer’s identity, witness their signature, and notarize documents remotely through video conferencing. RON provides a convenient and efficient solution for document notarization, accessible from anywhere with a stable internet connection.
A: Once the signer’s identity has been confirmed, the document to be signed is displayed on the screens of the notary public and the signer. The signer applies their electronically-created signature to the document, while the notary applies their digital seal, digital signature, and completes the notary certificate. The digital document contains the unique digital signing certificate of the notary public. This digital certificate is a modern-day version of the rubber notary stamp and makes the final electronic document “tamper-evident” once it is applied. So any attempts to alter the tamper-evident document’s contents will be evident to any party accessing that document and its digital record.
Almost any document that would typically be notarized in person can also be notarized online, offering great flexibility and convenience. However, there are some notable exceptions to keep in mind.
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Last will & testament documents – including wills, codicils, will amendments, and testamentary trusts. (Please note that we can notarize living wills.)
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Documents to be apostilled or that are intended for use outside the United States
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I-9 Forms Certifying copies of certain official documents
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Automobile titles
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Marriage certificates
It’s important to verify with the recipient of your document, or consult with your attorney or advisor, to ensure that online notarization is suitable and accepted for your specific document type or legal scenario. This extra step helps guarantee that your notarized document will meet all necessary legal and procedural requirements.
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A: Almost all U.S. states now permit their notaries to perform Remote Online Notarization (RON), providing broad access to notarial services. If a local notary isn’t available, you can use a notary from another state where RON is authorized, thanks to the interstate recognition of notarial acts. While this opens up convenient options for individuals and businesses, it’s important to confirm with the intended document recipient or consult legal experts to ensure RON is appropriate for your specific needs. This step ensures your notarized documents will be valid and accepted for their intended purpose
A: With traditional notary, signers have to personally appear in the physical presence of the notary public. In a remote online notary session, the signer and the notary do not have to be physically present with one another for the notarial act to be considered valid and legal. Instead, the signer can be considered to be legally “appearing” by audio-video conference. Because the signer can appear by videoconference, they can be located anywhere in the world during the notary session. And the notarial act will be legally valid under state law. Needless to say, this aspect of online notary makes the process dramatically faster, easier, and safer than an in-person traditional or mobile notary service.
