The Future is Here: Remote Online Notarizations

The notarization process is an essential part of many legal transactions, from real estate purchases to wills and trusts. Traditionally, this process has required all parties to be physically present in the same location to sign and notarize documents. However, with the rise of remote online notarizations, this is no longer the case.

Remote online notarizations (RON) allow individuals to notarize documents from the comfort of their own homes, using video conferencing technology to connect with a notary public. This process has been gaining popularity in recent years, and has become even more prevalent in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has made in-person notarizations more difficult.

So, how does RON work? First, the signer must have a valid form of identification and access to a computer or mobile device with a camera and microphone. They then connect with a notary public through a secure video conference platform. The notary verifies the signer's identity, confirms that they are signing the document of their own free will, and watches as they sign the document electronically. The notary then applies their electronic signature and seal to the document, completing the notarization process.

One of the major benefits of RON is convenience. Signers no longer have to take time off work or travel to a physical location to get their documents notarized. This can save time and money, and make the notarization process more accessible to individuals who may have difficulty traveling.

RON is also more secure than traditional notarizations in some ways. The use of video conferencing technology allows the notary to verify the signer's identity more thoroughly than they might be able to in person. Additionally, electronic notarization provides a digital record of the transaction, making it easier to track and verify in the future.

Of course, there are still some limitations to RON. Not all states have authorized remote online notarizations, and some types of documents may not be eligible for electronic notarization. Additionally, the technology used for RON must be secure and compliant with state and federal laws to ensure the integrity of the notarization process.

Overall, remote online notarizations represent an exciting development in the legal industry. As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more innovations in the notarization process, making it easier and more convenient for individuals to complete important legal transactions.