How to Become a Remote Online Notary?

Remote online notarization has become very popular since the start of the pandemic. It allows people to get their signatures notarized without having to meet a notary public face to face. Here is how you can become authorized to perform online notarizations and why it may be a good idea to do so.

1. Become a Traditional Notary Public

Before you begin your career as a remote online notary, you need to become a traditional notary public. The first thing is to check your state’s requirements for notary publics. Although these may vary, there are some basic ones you need to meet like:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Be a legal resident of that state
  • Have a clean record with no felony convictions

Make sure to check other requirements, go through your education and training, and pass the exams if needed.

2. Apply to Become a Remote Online Notary

After you’ve become a certified notary public, it is time to apply to become a remote online notary (RON). Some states like Virginia require no additional training, and you just need to register to become RON, pay any associated fees, and go on with your remote notarization career.

Other states like Florida require you to pass special training to become a RON. You register for it, attend in-person or online training, and receive a certificate that confirms your authority to perform online notarization.

In states like Ohio, Nevada, or Montana, you must pass an exam to confirm your remote notarization knowledge. That way, the state ensures you are familiar with the procedures and technologies needed for this type of notarization.

3. Obtain RON Tools and Technologies

Remote notarization requires using tools and technologies such as a digital certificate, Notarize, NotaryCam, Pavaso, DocuSign, and eSeal. You need to have a computer, microphone, webcam, and a secure internet connection to perform online notarization.
You must use a RON platform compatible with your state laws. Usually, when you get accredited to perform remote notarization, you will learn about your state’s preferred tools in the process. If not, you can ask some of the established online notaries in your area.

How Does Remote Online Notarization Work?

With RON, you perform notarization using two-way audio and video technology. The whole process is performed over the internet, but it is similar to an in-person meeting. You still need to check the signer’s identity and their understanding and willingness to sign.

Instead of physically signing the document, the singer will use a digital signature, and you’ll use an electronic seal and digital certificate to confirm the validity.

Why You Should Become a Remote Online Notary?

Remote online notarization is highly convenient. People can notarize their signatures in a matter of minutes without having to leave their homes. That’s why more and more people will choose this type of notarization in the future, especially after the current health crisis.

However, RON may make it harder for notaries to spot coercion and fraud. Meeting in person allows you to assess the situation more easily and take steps to walk away from the transaction if you don’t feel comfortable.

We’ll have to wait and see how the notarization trends turn out in the following years. In the meantime, feel free to contact Integrity Signers for any mobile notary needs.

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