What Does Online Remote Notarization Mean for Mobile Signing Agents?
Notarial services are vital in the real estate and financial industry to minimize the chances of identity theft and fraud. Mobile signing agents verify each party’s identity and make sure they are signing the documents willingly.
In recent years, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a strong need for these services to become more efficient. And what better way to do so than going digital through online remote notarization.
What Is Remote Online Notarization?
Remote Online Notarization (also known as RON) represents a service of notarizing documents remotely. That means that instead of being in the same room, the Notary Public can use audio-visual technology to notarize the signer’s signature regardless of where the signer is located in the world. However, the notary is required to be in their commissioned state in order to process the transaction. This type of remote notarization is also referred to as webcam, online, or virtual notarization.
Remote Notarization vs. Electronic Notarization
Some people think that electronic notarization is the same as remote notarization, but there is a difference. Electronic notarization or eNotarization includes all the elements of the traditional notarization process, including the need for the physical presence of all parties to be located in the same room. However, the documents are signed electronically instead of with pen and paper, which adds a tamper-evident seal and another layer of security to all documents.
What States Allow Remote Notarization?
Thirty-three states currently allow remote online notarization on permanent or temporary authorization laws. That includes Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. As of 2022, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, and New Mexico will also allow remote online notarization.
What Does Online Remote Notarization Look Like?
To have your documents notarized remotely, you first need to find a RON certified notary who can perform this process. Then, you must upload the documents to a computer and verify your identity through the KBA (Knowledge Based Authentication) process. You can do that by presenting a valid ID and answering some identity challenge questions.
These online notarization meetings can be performed via phone or computer, and they are usually recorded so that the transaction can be verified at a later date if needed. Once the notary verifies the signer’s identity, you must e-sign a document in front of the camera. They’ll notarize your signature with an electronic seal, and all you have to do is download and print your copy. The process is super quick, and it is better than the traditional method for both notaries and the signers.
Will Mobile Notaries Go Out of Business Because of Remote Notarization?
Not at all. In fact, online notarization can increase the efficiency of mobile signing agents because it reduces the time spent traveling to a signing location each day. That also may mean lower costs and saving a considerable amount of time. Omitted leading to more clients and increased revenue.
Becoming a remote notary is a simple process for mobile signing agents, and you can find a complete guide on how to become one on the National Notary Association website.
The Conclusion
Remote online notarization allows online notaries to notarize signatures through virtual sessions. Remote transactions can be an additional notarial service to offer your clients, especially those who require locational conveniences. Omitted The online notarization process is also more secure than the traditional one since it requires answering identity-based questions. So, virtual notarization is here to stay, and that’s actually a great thing for mobile signing agents.