As of January 1, 2020, Idaho Notaries may register to perform remote online notarizations (RONs). Here are the steps to become a remote online Notary in ID:
- Qualify for a commission as a traditional Notary Public.
- Create an account on the Idaho SOSbiz portal.
- Contract with a RON software provider that meets state standards.
- Complete the Authorization for Electronic Notarization form. Or if you're applying for a traditional commission and an online authorization at the same time, fill out the Notary Public Application With Electronic or Remote Online Notarization.
- Print and sign the Statement of Compliance on the form. Get it notarized by another Idaho Notary.
- Mail the notarized form, a sample of your RON software's notarial certificate, and the $20 filing fee to the Secretary of State.
- Receive an authorization certificate from the Secretary of State.
In This Guide: Idaho RON Requirements | About RON in Idaho | Additional FAQs
Requirements to be a Remote Notary in Idaho
Before you apply to become a remote online Notary in Idaho, you must hold an existing commission as a traditional Notary in the Gem State. The state does allow both forms to be submitted simultaneously though. Traditional Notaries must be at least 18 years old, reside or be employed in the state of Idaho, be a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident, and be able to read and write.
You can submit an application to become a remote online Notary after you have your traditional commission, or at the same time as you apply for your traditional commission. Be sure to present a copy of your digital certificate, including the electronic stamp and electronic signature (unless you're applying for both commissions at once). Also keep in mind that you must sign the Statement of Compliance in front of another Notary prior to submitting the application.
Does Idaho require special training or an exam to work as an online Notary?
No, Idaho does not require training or an exam to apply for your online Notary commission. However, the Secretary of State has an optional training video on remote online notarization.
What tools and technology do I need to perform online notarizations in Idaho?
Virtual Notaries in Idaho will need a computer, webcam, microphone and secure connection to the internet. Your computer must be able to support two-way audio and visual communication in order to perform RON services. Next, you'll need to choose a RON vendor that meets Idaho's requirements. The Idaho Secretary of State does not provide a list of approved vendors, but DocuSign, DocVerify, Notarize, NotaryCam, Pavaso, Safedocs and SIGNiX are all end-to-end online notarization platforms. Be sure to reference the National Electronic Notarization Standards when choosing a RON provider; Idaho has adopted these rules.
You're also required to get a digital certificate containing your electronic signature and an electronic seal. Consider getting an electronic journal as well. While they're optional in Idaho, they can be of great help if you need to refer to a specific notarization in the future.
Do I need another surety bond?
Idaho does not specify if a second surety bond is required to apply for your online Notary commission. However, you must maintain a $10,000 surety bond for your traditional commission.
Is an E&O insurance policy required in Idaho?
An errors and omissions (E&O) insurance policy is not required in Idaho, but it's strongly recommended. E&O policies limit your financial exposure should you make an error or omit an element on a notarized document that would result in financial harm to your signer.
About Remote Online Notarization (RON) in Idaho
Not sure what online notarization is, or how it works? We have you covered. Here is what Notaries and signers should know about Idaho RONs.
Does Idaho allow remote notarization?
Yes, ID Senate Bill 1111 went into effect on January 1, 2020. This law authorizes ID remote Notaries to perform online notarizations for signers located anywhere in the world; however, the Notary must be physically located in their commissioning state of Idaho during the notarial act.
How do remote online notarizations work in Idaho?
In online notarizations, the signer personally appears before the Notary Public in real-time using audio-video technology. The online Notary verifies the signer's identity using personal knowledge, satisfactory evidence of the signer by oath or affirmation from a credible witness appearing before the Notary, or at least two different types of identity proofing consisting of a multi-factor authentication procedure.
The Notary then asks the signer to confirm they understand and are willing to sign the document. Next, the signer signs the document with an electronic signature. Once the signer has signed, the Notary checks the document, fills out the notarial wording, applies an electronic seal and attaches a digital certificate containing their eSignature.
When the notarization is complete, the Notary saves a journal entry and an audio-visual recording of the transaction.
ID Notaries can perform notarizations for signers in any location as long as the Notaries themselves are physically located within the state border at the time of the notarial act.
What notarial acts can be performed virtually in Idaho?
Idaho does not specify which acts can be performed online, but common types of notarizations include:
- Taking acknowledgments
- Witnessing signatures
- Taking a verification upon oath or affirmation (i.e. performing a jurat)
- Administering oaths
- Certifying copies of a record
How long does a remote notarization take vs. traditional notarization?
Remote notarizations take less time than traditional notarizations because they don't require the signer nor the Notary to travel to meet in person. In general, you can receive and complete a notarization request online within a few minutes without having to leave your home.
Are electronic notarizations and remote notarizations the same?
No, electronic notarizations involve digital documents and electronic signatures. They're conducted in person like traditional notarizations. Remote online notarizations involve digital documents and electronic signatures as well, but are performed remotely using two-way communication technology.
Additional RON FAQs
Here are answers to several commonly-asked questions about providing RON services in the state of Idaho.
How much does it cost to register as an ID remote Notary?
The cost of becoming an online Notary in Idaho ranges from below $100 to a couple of hundred dollars. There is no fee to register as a remote Notary, but you'll have a few expenses before you can start offering your RON services. You'll need to pay any sign-up fees associated with the RON technology provider of your choice and the cost of your electronic seal and digital certificate.
The cost to maintain your surety bond and recommended E&O insurance policy will need to be considered. You'll also need to factor in the cost of a computer, webcam, microphone and secure internet access, if you don't already have these items.
How much can ID remote Notaries charge for their services?
Idaho has not yet specified how much a Notary can charge for remote services. We will update this page as soon as that information becomes available.
How long does it take to become a virtual Notary in Idaho?
It can take up to 4 weeks to become registered as an Idaho remote Notary with the majority of the time spent on getting your traditional Notary Public commission and allotting time for the Secretary of State to process your application.
Once you're commissioned, you'll need to choose a RON technology provider, get your remote Notary supplies and complete a notification form to inform the Secretary of State of your request to perform remote notarizations. This part of the process can take you 1 to 2 days, depending on your availability.
How long will my remote Notary commission last?
In Idaho, remote authorizations are valid as long as you maintain an active traditional commission. You don't need to submit another eNotarization form when you get a new commission at the end of your term.
Will RON services grow my ID Notary business?
Becoming a remote online Notary and joining a RON platform can help your business grow. As a remote Notary, your customer base is no longer limited to Idaho residents and you can notarize for signers anywhere if you're physically located within the state at the time of notarization.
You should also consider getting certified as a Notary Signing Agent (NSA). Becoming an NSA makes you eligible to receive more RON assignments because it assures RON technology providers that you've passed a current background screening.