Notary publics have been around for years, in one capacity or another. Typically, having something notarized entails the signer bringing a document to a notary, proving their identity, and then signing it (although a mobile notary will come to the person needing notary services). The notary’s function is to confirm that the signature is genuine by verifying identity, witnessing the signature, and then stamping or embossing their notary seal on the document.
Until recently, notarization was always done in person using tangible documents. However, times are changing, and the Internet age has brought previously unthinkable new developments to the notary public’s role. It laid the framework for permitting electronic notarizations, and most states now allow electronic notarization, using a notary’s electronic signature and an electronic notary seal.
In terms of security, the advantages of an electronically notarized document outweigh the disadvantages because the notarization online procedure makes tampering with the electronic document much more complex than with a paper document. The method is the same as always, except that the individual signing the document must present in person before the notary. The distinction is that the “papers” are provided, signed, and notarized electronically by computer or tablet.
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Being a notary public is something that any ordinary citizen may perform, and it’s one of the many part-time professions available online and in small-town businesses. Additionally, Notary rules and codes are state-led; thus, each state is unique, and there are some parallels in certification and practices across notaries from state to state. Below are tips you should know before you begin working as a remote online notary:
Are you a Notary Public?
First and foremost, you must be a qualified Notary Public with an active commission ID. If you are not, it can take up to four weeks to become a qualified notary public.
Has your state-approved RON?
Before proceeding, it is critical to determine whether your state has approved RON for remote internet document notarization.
Gather Your Documents and ID
A notary’s principal function is to verify your identity and witness you signing legally binding papers such as mortgages, contracts, or powers of attorney. As a result, if you require a notary, you must first have your documents validated. You must have your documents in electronic format, preferably as a PDF, and a valid ID when preparing for a remote online notarization.
You’ll also go through identity verification stages, including knowledge-based authentication questions based on cars or homes you own or have previously owned.
Get your Remote Online Notarization certification.
The next stage is to obtain RON certification. Before a Notary Public can notarize papers online using RON, many states require them to pass an exam. This exam may include information about the technology utilized and the procedures followed to notarize a document online successfully. So, before taking the exam, make sure you understand everything there is to know about RON, from client authentication to what is required for a successful online notarization session.
Purchase an electronic notary seal
An electronic notary seal (or eSeal) is utilized to stamp and seal notarized papers in place of your real notary seal. When notarizing documents online, this eSeal is required. Secured Signing collaborates with the National Notary Association to supply Notaries Public with eSeals. They also have a plethora of knowledge regarding Remote Online Notarization and document notarization. For further information, we recommend visiting their website.
Purchase a Federal Bridge digital certificate
It is a requirement for the notary to have a Federal Bridge digital certificate in several places. This certificate, which serves as your digital identity, allows governments to authenticate and trust papers you have digitally signed and notarized. Secured Signing collaborates with IdenTrust, which is cross-certified with the Federal Bridge Certification Authority (FBCA), which can supply you with the appropriate certificate to match your needs.
Select a RON vendor
When choosing a RON vendor, ensure that the platform or software provider allows you to do remote online notarizations using the appropriate technologies. The merchant must follow the laws of the state. In the majority of circumstances, the vendor must provide:
- Identity proofing and credential analysis methods.
- Audio-visual conferencing technology.
- Digital signature certificate compatibility.
- Electronic notary seal compatibility.
- An electronic notary journal.
Your vendor may additionally need to be approved by your Secretary of State in some situations. Check with your seller to verify if they are an approved vendor when evaluating choices and conducting research.
Test Your Tech
A desktop or a laptop with a solid and reliable Internet connection is required for a remote online notary session. To see and speak with the notary, you’ll also need a camera, speakers, and a microphone. These technological elements are required so that notaries can correctly identify you and communicate with you during the process. If possible, conduct a test run of everything ahead of time to ensure that your sound and visuals are working correctly.
Quiet, Uninterrupted Space
t’s advisable to have your place ready ahead of time if you decide to employ an online notary. Choose a peaceful spot where you will not be disturbed. You’ll want to ensure that you can concentrate on the notarization process with little distractions.
Ensure Internet Connectivity
When you begin the notarization session, make sure you have a stable internet connection. Losing your connection is the last thing you want when reading documents and signing them with the online notary.
You are now RON-ready
After completing the processes, you will be RON-ready and able to notarize documents online.
Bottomline
There are numerous advantages to becoming an online notary – both for you and your clients. Finish reading this post and get started now that you know how to become an online notary and why they are needed.