Online Notarization Made Simple: Your Guide to Remote Notarization

Alt text: "Illustration of a computer screen showing an online notarization process with digital signatures and official stamps."

Ever needed something notarized but didn’t want to schlep down to the bank or UPS store? Yeah, we feel you. Notarization can be a pain, but it doesn’t have to be. Enter online notarization. With just your computer and an internet connection, you can
get documents notarized remotely and avoid the hassle of finding a notary public near you. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about online notarization. We’ll explain what it is, how it works, and even hook you up with the
best online notary services. In just a few minutes, you’ll be notarizing like a pro from the comfort of your couch. So say goodbye to driving across town and waiting in line for the notary – online notarization is about to make your life way easier.

What Is Online Notarization?

Online notarization, also known as remote or virtual notarization, allows you to have documents notarized electronically instead of in person. An online notary public, or eNotary, uses audio-video technology to verify your identity and oversee the
signing of legal documents remotely.

How Does It Work?

A man using a laptop with a justice scale and icons on it, representing online notarization.

The process is actually quite simple. You’ll connect with an eNotary via a live audio-video call. During the call, the eNotary will ask you to provide valid government-issued ID to verify your identity. Once your ID is verified, you’ll sign the document in view
of the eNotary. The eNotary will then notarize the document and provide you with a digital seal and signature to attach to your document.

What Documents Can Be Notarized Remotely?

Most standard documents can be notarized online, including:

Powers of attorney
Deeds
Mortgages
Promissory notes
Affidavits
Prenuptial agreements
Wills
Living wills

Some documents may require an in-person notarization by law, so check with your state’s guidelines. But for most everyday documents, eNotarization is permitted and legally valid.

Benefits of Online Notarization

Convenience. No more waiting in line at a UPS store or bank. Get documents notarized anytime from anywhere.
Safety. No exposure risks from in-person contact during the current health crisis.
Speed. The entire process usually only takes 10 to 15 minutes.
Low cost. Online notarization is often less expensive than traditional notary services.
Legally binding. Documents notarized via live audio-video by a commissioned eNotary have the same legal effect as in-person notarization

Online notarization allows you to accomplish important legal tasks safely and conveniently. If you need a document notarized, consider the option of working with an eNotary for a fast, affordable solution. The future of notarization is digital, and it’s here to help simplify your life.

How Does Remote Notarization Work?

Remote online notarization allows you to get documents notarized without meeting with a notary public in person. Instead, the entire process is handled remotely using live audio-video technology. Here’s how it works:

Find an Online Notary

First, you’ll need to locate a notary public that offers remote online notarization services. Many traditional notaries now provide virtual services in addition to in-person notarization. You can search online for “remote notary near me” or check with
your bank or UPS store, many of which employ notaries.

Submit Your Documents

Next, you’ll submit electronic copies of the documents you need notarized to the online notary. Make sure the documents are
clearly legible. The notary will review them to ensure they meet legal requirements before scheduling your online session.

Verify Your Identity

During your scheduled video call with the notary, they will verify your identity using government-issued photo ID that matches the name on your documents. The notary will compare your ID to your live video image to confirm your identity.

Sign & Notarize

Once your identity is verified, the notary will observe via live video as you sign the documents. Then the notary will complete their notarization to officially notarize the signed documents. The notary will sign, stamp, and seal the documents and may
attach a notarial certificate.

Receive Your Documents

Finally, the notary will return notarized electronic copies of your documents for your records. They may also mail you original hard copies with the notary’s signature and seal for an additional fee. The notarized documents have the same legal effect as documents notarized in person.

Remote online notarization streamlines the traditional notarization process through the use of modern technology. By verifying identities and observing the signing of documents remotely via live video, virtual notaries can notarize and return signed documents efficiently without without requiring in-person meetings. The end result is the same-officially notarized documents to be used for important legal and business matters.

Conclusion

The main point of the text is that online notarization offers a convenient and hassle-free way to get documents notarized remotely, eliminating the need to visit a physical location and wait in line. It provides a guide on what online notarization is, how it works, and recommends the best online notary services, allowing individuals to notarize documents from the comfort of their own homes.