Remote Notarization: What You Need To Know

To my knowledge, none of these companies provide an opportunity for a "single" independent notary to rent a seat on their platform. If I am wrong, please correct me. Thanks for your efforts in this article.

I would like from Maryland to be also allowed to do video notary

is this gonna have some cost for the notary,and higher cost for client?

HOW DO YOU CONFIRM ID WITHOUT ACTUALLY HAVING ID IN HAND?

It seems like a bad idea. How do you comply with keeping a sequential journal, obtaining thumb prints required for certain documents, and checking IDs. If I read this correctly a remote notary will be a separate certification and training, so as long as a notary can opt out of becoming a remote notary to limit exposure and having more technology, then we'll see how it shakes out.

There is also OnlineNotary.net, based out of Virginia which you guys missed putting here.

Need to know the answer to Craig's question

Turns out RON is very bad news. All you have to do is read the analysis that the CA Asm. Judicial Committee issued this year on AB 199, the now dead CA online notary act of 2019. Also, the TX SoS is now having second thoughts about the lack of biometrics being collected during notarial acts AND the TN SoS has issued Emergency Guidance. 22 states may have passed RON laws but 28 states, including the largest in the nation, has said no thanks, and for good reason.

I am a commissioned Texas notary public and have recently branched out into remote notarization. Here are a few things to know. First, in order to perform remote notarizations in Texas, one must first be a commissioned NP, then go through an additional application process and pay a $50 fee in order to legally perform remote notarizations. There currently is no training requirement in TX for either traditional or remote NPs. Becoming an authorized remote NP is actually the least complicated part of the process. There are several additional requirements which must be met in order to perform remote notarizations. These include the use of an online audio/video platform which digitally records the audio and video interaction between the NP and the signer(s), provides the ability for all parties to digitally sign documents (more on digital signatures in a moment), and record and store the digitally signed document(s) along with the audio/video recording for a period of 5 years. While someone with a lot of tech savvy could conceivably cobble together such a system from “off the shelf” software and hardware, for all practical purposes the remote NP will need to subscribe to one of a number of online services specifically designed for this purpose. These services typically offer both desktop and mobile applications for the NP and signer to use to complete the signing process, record and store the A/V and digital documentation elements, and provide an integrated electronic payment system so the NP can collect the appropriate fees. The remote notarization platform should also integrate with a third-party provider of identification confirmation services. In Texas, the relevant state statutes explicitly require that identity confirmation be performed by an entity which is not associated in any way with either the NP or the remote notarization platform provider. Typically the fees charged by the platform provider include the cost of using the third-party ID authentication service. It is worth mentioning that the inclusion of a third-party identification service in this process actually provides a higher level of identification confirmation than a traditional face-to-face notarization utilizing only a picture ID. This is because not only must the signer provide an acceptable ID artifact which can be digitally scanned and recorded by the remote notarization platform—either by holding the ID up to a webcam or taking a photo of it with a mobile device—but the signer must also answer a number of personal questions the signer should know the answers to. This process, known as Knowledge-Based Authentication, or KBA, incorporates information available from various data sources into the confirmation questions: places of residence, vehicle information, even names of relatives. The signer must correctly answer a high percentage of the questions in a relatively short period of time in order to complete the verification process; this information is also saved along with the A/V recording and the digital signed documentation. With regard to digital signing, the remote NP must also obtain from a recognized third-party provider something called a “digital certificate.” In a nutshell, this is an electronic file consisting of an encrypted pair of digital “keys.” The private key is stored on the remote NP’s computer, while the public key is saved in the remote notarization platform. Every time a remote notarization transaction is initiated, the two keys are electronically compared in order to both digitally authenticate the remote NP and ensure the integrity of the entire transaction. The cost of obtaining a digital certificate is relatively modest, approximately $40-$50. It should be noted that the remote notarization platform meets the record-keeping requirement by virtue of recording, storing, and time-stamping all aspects of the transaction. Thus it is not necessary for remote notarizations to be manually recorded as with traditional in-person notarizations. I hope this information is useful. If you would like further information about specific remote notarization platforms, digital certificate providers, etc., please feel free to contact me at remoteprofessionalservices@outlook.com.

How do we verify their identity over the internet? How do we notarize a document we watch them sign over the internet? Wouldn’t that mean we have to use electronic notary stamps only? How do you keep the original paper they acknowledge signing?

Hello. Currently, Minnesota, Nevada, North Dakota, Texas, Tennessee and Virginia authorize remote online notarizations for signers located outside of the state and country. However, please be aware that Notaries in the United States are not attorneys and may not be authorized to perform some types of notarizations that Spanish Notaries are authorized to perform.

Pavaso does

Hello. Law offices do not typically rent out space to Notaries. You would have to contact the individual businesses in question to make this request.

Hello. Please see the list of remote notarization technology providers listed above. By clicking on the links to their sites, you can find information on their hiring qualifications for Notaries if available.

There is a demonstration video of a remote notarization in this article: https://www.nationalnotary.org/notary-bulletin/blog/2016/07/webcam-notarizations-redefining-presence-or-fraud

Hi, I'm in Florida, all my closings are in Miami-Dade, and in my opinion is a BAD idea doing Remote Notarizations. not all persons are familiar or have a computer at home, nobody understand how to type in a keyboard, sometimes are seniors borrowers, another concern I have, I keep a journal and signers needs to sign my journal to have proof I did a closing for them. How are they going to sign my journal? Also. If signer are outside my county, how can I have the confirmation they said are in Miami-Dade, they can be in New York and saying are in Miami. Again, NOT a good idea. I have done some hybrid closings, part they sign digitally in my laptop I carry with me and others documents they acknowledge in paper, and I sign and stamp. This is more convenient.

Will California implement Online notary's anytime soon. I am a license notary public in the state of California, I would like to know where and how I would be become online notary for the state of California.

Does anyone know if/when Pennsylvania will enact this?

A couple of things I noted above and didn't see them addressed. First of all, there are stringent requirements for having a document notairzed remotely. Myst be 18, be a U.S. citizen and must have U.S. government-issued IDs, and a social security number in order to have your document notarized remotely. We are allowed to perform notarizations for U.S. citizens abroad but they must have the IDs mentioned above. There are also a number of questions to verify identity that can be tricky. Another question was whether a notary can buy a seat on one of the platforms. DocVerify offers a monthly subscription service where the notary operates independently. I would caution that my experience with this platform is that there is very little tech support. No telephone support although they indicate otherwise. And text message responses are usually incomplete and surly/defensive in tone. I have not used this platform for a while so things may have improved.

Is Missouri allowing Remote Online Notary??

Are there any changes to RON based on the CoViD19 shelter-at-home mandates? I am particularly interested in California rules and based on this article, I thought RON would be allowed even before the current crisis: https://asmdc.org/press-releases/california-online-notary-act-approved-assembly-committee-business-and-professions

Do you see California getting approved in the near future?

with COVID-19 emergency; I called NNA about remote notarization asking about my state, NJ and was directed to IdenTrust.com - I placed my application; paid for one year and then this article comes out to see that NJ is not a remote state . . . I would like to see that the individuals answering the NNA customer service line are made aware of this article. Customer Service for NNA should be informed. NJ requested that I seek the advice of NNA.

Please don't forget about the District of Columbia (WDC)

Hello. Yes, Wisconsin has issued emergency guidance immediately authorizing remote notarization. For details and how to proceed, please see this article: https://www.nationalnotary.org/notary-bulletin/blog/2020/03/states-emergency-action-remote-notarization

Hello. The list above is not all-inclusive and does not indicate special endorsement by the NNA or any other agency.

Hello. Please see the article above for a list of RON platforms.

Hello. You would need to contact either companies you accept loan signings from or individual RON platforms that sign up Notaries for assignments for information on pay rates or specializing in loan signing RONs only.

Hello. You may wish to contact different RON platforms for price quotes to determine if there is a platform that would be appropriate for your budget.

After researching New Jersey Assembly Bill, No. 3864 it appears that New Jersey has approved RON introduced March 16, 2020. Please advise

Can I be registered on more than one RON platform? (Florida)

I would love for Massachusetts to become a Remote Online Notarization. I'm losing a lot of business because of the Coronavirus. I do not want to risk my self or others. I have not accepted any signings since the Coronavirus started because of the risk that is out there. In Massachusetts, people are in their houses and don't want to go out. I would not feel comfortable doing the signing by leaving the documents on the porch and then check them out in the car taking picture of the id's through a window.

Where am I going wrong? Won't this completely abolish the mobile notary business? And if no, why not?

Hello. While neither CA or OR are authorizing their Notaries to perform RONs at this time, if you are seeking RON services you may wish to contact a RON platform or service provider to ask if they have a RON Notary commissioned in a jurisdiction that authorizes RONs for out-of-state signers available who can perform this service for you. You may also wish to contact your realtor, lender or title company first to confirm that a RON notarization is acceptable for your transaction.

Hello Carlos. Different states have different laws and guidelines regarding RON. Notaries must always comply with state law regarding RON requirements. If you can tell us what state you are commissioned in, we can provide you with more specific information, but you can also find information on various state guidelines here: https://www.nationalnotary.org/notary-bulletin/blog/2020/03/states-emergency-action-remote-notarization and here: https://www.nationalnotary.org/notary-bulletin/blog/2020/03/answers-urgent-questions-notaries-ron

Hello Leonor. Different states have different laws and guidelines regarding RON. Notaries must always comply with state law regarding RON requirements. If you can tell us what state you are commissioned in, we can provide you with more specific information, but you can also find information on various state guidelines here: https://www.nationalnotary.org/notary-bulletin/blog/2020/03/states-emergency-action-remote-notarization and here: https://www.nationalnotary.org/notary-bulletin/blog/2020/03/answers-urgent-questions-notaries-ron

“An online notary public or the online notary public’s employer may charge a fee in an amount not to exceed $25 for performing an online notarization in addition to any other fees authorized under Section 406.024” (GC 406.111).

Hello. Please see here for Texas RON application guidelines: https://www.nationalnotary.org/knowledge-center/about-notaries/how-to-become-a-notary-public/how-to-become-a-remote-online-notary#TexasRON

Hawaii just implemented a Covid-19 Emergency RON. I did one as a “signer” for my Estate docs and Notary Bond. I just had to hold up my ID and signature docs so it was recorded. Pretty simple and straightforward. I am in the process of setting myself up now.

Hello. To help us answer your question can you please let us know what state you are in and provide more details about what information you are looking for?

Hello. Please see this article for more information: https://www.nationalnotary.org/notary-bulletin/blog/2019/11/the-state-of-remote-online-notarization

Hello. Typically, a RON requires a desktop or laptop computer and an audiovisual means of communicating with the signer such as a webcam. However, please be aware that technology requirements may vary depending on what state you are commissioned in and what RON technology platform or tech provider you choose. Please see here for more information: https://www.nationalnotary.org/notary-bulletin/blog/2019/11/the-state-of-remote-online-notarization

Hello. Pennsylvania has issued emergency remote notarization rules for certain Notaries and documents. Please see here for details: https://www.nationalnotary.org/notary-bulletin/blog/2020/03/states-emergency-action-remote-notarization

Hello. We now have a referral agreement with NotaryCam. You can look for Notaries at www.notarycam.com/nna.

In New York State Executive Order 202.7 provides a notary may video conference with the signer being notarized (no specific platform mentioned); the signer must present valid photo ID during the video conference and transmit a copy of same with the document(s) being notarized; the signer must verify they are physically signing the document(s) in the State of NY; the signer must transmit the signed document(s) to the notary via fax or email the same date it/they were signed; the notary must notarize the copies and transmit them back to the signer the same day; and then the notary may sign the actual hard copy of the documents when received within 30 days of signing. I am a paralegal working dealing mainly with real estate closings. I have been performing RON signings in the last few weeks in the above manner, however, I have been using ZOOM, SKYPE, and other forms of video conferencing. Please advise if these platforms are acceptable to the NNA and traveling notary services for which I am registered. Thanks.

I am located in the state of Florida, can you please direct me to the laws and guidelines regarding RON (Remote Online Notaries) for the state Florida?

I’m under the impression that RON is being exercised in NY. Is there an exam to become a RON in NY?

I know IL is allowing RON under the executive order and was planning come July to possibly implement RONs. I didn't see any update here regarding IL, Do you have any updates? Thanks

I am located in the state of Florida, can you please direct me to the laws and guidelines regarding RON (Remote Online Notaries) for the state Florida?

In Texas, once I remotely verify the identity of a signer, am I able to notarize the document if I view a person sign the document, via webcam, then have said original document sent to me to finalize the notary process?

Has NJ been approved for remote signing yet?

Your information is not up to date for PA. Please

What is the status for Washington State allowing RON authorization

What county within the same state should be identified as the "County of __" when I am notarizing a document in one county and the signor is signing in a different county (again, within the SAME state)?

I am commissioned in Texas but do not have my certification to perform on-line notarization.

I am commissioned in Texas and want to notarize on-line under the current emergency order enacted by the Governor. I am in Bexar County, Texas and the signor is in Harris County, Texas. When I notarize the document by video-conferencing (pursuant to the emergency order), in which of these two Texas counties (Bexar or Harris) do I need to indicate the document is actually being signed?

Please send me information to sign up - do you have a mo. or yearly fee?

I am a NYS notary and it appears I cannot do electronic notarization nor remote notarization. Is this true? Please advise me. Thank you.

how can I found out if my state is allowing the remote notarization? it is any website where I can look

I did a RN notary last November (before Covid-19) , signor was in Spain, notary was in Virginia, I was in California, and it was for a US Coast Guard Bill of Sale for a vessel, which has to be notarized. The document was accepted at US Coast Guard National Vessel Documents Center. It was a big savings in time and money ; otherwise signor would have had to go to US Embassy for an US notary endorsement. Which is time consuming and very expensive (I've had to do it many times in Mexico for the same thing). But it was all done online. Worked great.

Hello. The following information is from the Florida Department of State's website (https://dos.myflorida.com/sunbiz/other-services/notaries/remote-online-notary-public/): "To apply to be an online notary public, you must first have a contract with a company that will provide you with the technological support needed to perform online notarization's. This company must provide you with: The technology to be used in attaching or logically associating an electronic notarial certificate, signature and seal to an electronic document; The technology to be used in conducting identity proofing and credential analysis; The technology to store and maintain a recording of the video and audio conference of the online notarization session. The Florida Department of State does not recommend nor endorse any particular third party vendors. The basic requirements for vendors’ technology are found under Chapter 117, Florida Statutes, and Chapter 1N-7001, Florida Administrative Register."

Hello. Information on Missouri's emergency order can be found here: https://www.nationalnotary.org/notary-bulletin/blog/2020/03/states-emergency-action-remote-notarization

Do I need to have a new background check if i am already a commissioned notary?

I was trying to transfer my PA car title to my friend before I left the US but I did not get a change. The car title is with me in Korea and I am trying to get my title notarized in Korea and send it to my friend in the US. Any help? Thanks!

so how much does it cost to be come remote and where do u get your ins and supplies from

I need an original form notarized, remotely. Is there a way to snail mail a document signed by me, have the notary verify my signature by webcam, sign the original form then snail mail it back to me? So I end up with the original document signed and notarized? Any state probably, California may be first choice. Thanks!

I am currently located outside the USA. The supporting documents for which I want an affidavit notarized, were issued in California.

According to the Missouri Secretary of State website, RON is authorized because of Covid19. My question is which one is used the most?

Has Washington, DC been approved for this or applied for approval to allow DC Notaries to utilize this form of notarizations?

Someone named Aida mentioned she was concerned that the people she's doing a notarization for could be in a place different from what they're saying. It's my understanding that the notary has to be in the State of their commission, but the signer can literally be anywhere in the world. I guess potentially in Space too!

Hello. By "RON apostilles," do you mean an apostille for a document that has been notarized using RON? If so, you would need to contact the appropriate state agency that issues apostilles to ask if they provide this service.

Hello. The following is from the North Carolina Notary Public Guide: “Signing agents are not recognized in North Carolina notary law, and the Secretary of State does not seek to regulate such practices. Because notaries are hired as signing agents by virtue of the fact that they have a valid notary commission and an important function of a signing agent is to notarize specific documents, the Department emphasizes that all notaries, including any who work as signing agents, must adhere to all statutory guidelines for notaries. The guidelines include the following: Notaries must in no way engage in the unauthorized practice of law when serving in this capacity. Notaries are not authorized to charge (the borrowers/buyers/grantors) a higher fee than the statutory limit of $5.00 per signature when performing these or any other notarizations. Notaries are not authorized to charge travel or mileage expenses to their clients. Notaries must always follow the North Carolina General Statutes and avoid the unauthorized practice of law, codified at G.S. 84-2.1”