How To Notarize A Document Online

Remote online notarizations (RON) have been available since 2012 when the state of Virginia began allowing them. Since then, more states like Texas, Washington, Florida, and Tennessee have passed laws allowing RON throughout their states.

While notaries have had this option for some time, the 2020 pandemic greatly increased demand for online notaries. The American Bar Association believes that remote online notarization is now just a regular part of doing business.

Notarizations that would normally take place in an office have changed to remote due to city and state stay-at-home orders. Many states have issued emergency provisions to allow online notarizations temporarily, and some will become permanent.

If you’re considering offering RON to your clients, OneNotary makes it easy to do and free to get started. You can also read our prior article on online notarization here. The National Notary Association also has a short tutorial available.

What Documents Can I Notarize?

Whatever documents you’re allowed to notarize in person can also be notarized remotely.  Loan documents, titles, court documents, business documents--if you’re notarizing them in person, you can notarize them on OneNotary.

When a client needs a remote notary, they will go online and search for an online company that can provide one in their state. They must provide proof of identity according to the method their chosen platform uses.

A notary who offers RON services meets with a client in an online video call, just as they would if they were meeting in person. Everything is done through an electronic platform such as OneNotary and takes just a few minutes.

The notary and client meet via video call to electronically sign and notarize the client’s document. The notary attaches an electronic seal similar to the physical notary stamp and closes the video session. The client can download the newly notarized document immediately.

Once the session is finished, the notary records any required information, and stores a digital copy of the video session. OneNotary stores these sessions for ten years.

Is It Legal To Notarize Online? 

In most US states, the answer is “YES.” Any documents that are authorized in your state can generally be notarized online as well. Generally, a notary can continue doing the same types of notarizations they do now.  We suggest checking with your state’s notary board before you begin since each state has its own laws and requirements.

For instance:

• Oklahoma implemented emergency rules in November of 2019, which went into effect on January 1, 2020.

• Alaska’s rules allow “video witnessing” of wills, with the testator and witnesses in view of the notary using videoconference. This law is effective until March 21, 2020.

• Texas has twice suspended the in-person requirement for notaries for mortgages and other real estate instruments.

Only South Carolina and California have not yet authorized remote online notarizations.

What does it cost to use an online notary? That’s determined by each state. However, the cost of using an online platform for notarization will add to the client’s cost. With OneNotary, it’s $25, which includes all transaction and notary costs.

What You Need

You’ll need to have a desktop or laptop computer that can handle online video calls, as well as reliable Internet service.

Additionally, you should have a webcam, microphone, and speaker (or earbuds or headphones) to be able to communicate with the client. Most newer laptops have this technology already built-in, but test your machine to be sure.

You’ll also need an online notary platform, such as OneNotary. Systems like Zoom, Skype, and Google Meet may not be authorized in your state for remote online notarizations, and are not as secure as a notary platform.

Let OneNotary Help You Become A Remote Online Notary

OneNotary is the newest secure platform for remote online notarizations. Our plug-and-play platform means it’s easy to learn and use. You’ll be notarizing for online clients in no time. Because the process is much faster, you can do more notarizations in a day and earn more money. There are no monthly fees or hidden costs, so your expenses will also be lower.

Still on the fence? Visit our YouTube channel and sign up for a free webinar to learn more about starting your online notary services.