What is Remote Online Notarization?
Remote Online Notarization is using a notary over a video connection to complete a legal signing. It brings new technologies to getting documents notarized, aimed at bringing public notaries to you in a digital fashion. This process can be faster than other notarization technologies, based on situation.
As remote online notarization moves across the nation, it is important to understand the differences, advantages and disadvantages of this new type of notary signing, and in the end, if it is the right option for you.
Let’s Take a Look at remote online notarization, and some of the impacts it has on you. Then you will know more about if it is the best option for you.
What Does Remote Online Notarization Mean to Me?
Remote Online Notarization is the newest technology being used for you to sign your documents. It differs in many ways from other forms of notarizations. Video technology has boosted many users of software like What’s App or Facetime, and remote online notarization has combined that technology with several others to create an experience that is promoted to be quick and seamless.
That is why it is being put forward as the best way to perform signings as we head through the 21st century.
We mean how simple is it to just log into a device and get documents signed on a short timeframe? The advantages of this is attractive to many people doing tasks in an ever evolving landscape.
What Do I Need?
Not very much.
You need a digital device with video conferencing working and turned on. And you need a fast, reliable internet connection. No lagging or loss of the video feed, even if only for a short time. This is important because it can affect the validity of your signing.
You need a witness, or maybe two. This is defined by your state laws. Some are lax, while others require the notary know the witness. Some states even require two witnesses for certain signings, which is a burden for everyone involved, but is still required. For any more info about those requirements please contact one of Sunshine’s notary specialists.
You need a partner. One who can explain to you the laws in your jurisdiction and if remote online notarization is best for you.
Sunshine signing is your trusted partner. Please feel free to contact one of our notarization experts to discover your options, the laws in your state, and whether remote online notarization is the best thing for your situation. You can do that by calling us (727) 817-0000 or by filling out our online form.
Our 100% American based team can not only advise you on your situation, they can also complete the online process for you.
Some Advantages of Remote Online Notarizations
For tech saavy users remote online notarization provides an experience similar to other forms of digital commerce that they already use. We’ve seen the rise of things like Uber and Instacart, as well as people ordering from their favorite restaurants. For these people there is a sense of stability in doing things online.
A remote online notarization can often be completed in about a half hour. Depending on the provider and how busy they are, it may start immediately or you may be put into a queue to see your notary. This is usually a short process, which also brings new technologies to verify your identity.
An example, one of many possible scenarios is to have a series of questions you answer to prove your identity. These questions are crafted so that only you should know the answers, and you may have previously used this technology when dealing with places like a bank.
People in rural areas are better served. When your nearest certified notary is an hour or more away, the ability to do it from your home becomes more palatable.
An online notary can be wherever you are. Be it at home or at a grocery store, you can theoretically have a document notarized. That is great for people on the go, as they can complete their task(s) as they go along with their day. Note that this is not for every signing, as some still have to be done in person.
You just have a hard time connecting with the person(people) you need to perform the signing with. It can be hard to get out of work before and then get together with the others who need to sign the document. With remote online notarization that is mitigated, as it allows you to get your document signed when everyone can come together.
If you are looking for pure speed, you don’t want it to be notarization. But, sometimes bad things happen. It’s not a guarantee, but it is likely that an online notarization will be quicker than an in person signing. Your computer is normally much quicker than going to your local notary.
Some Disadvantages
The legal landscape for remote online notarization is different around the country. What is allowed in one state may be barred in another. This may be confusing to the person who needs the document signed, and cause delays that could be addressed by using another type of notarization. For more information on what is required in each state you can always contact Sunshine Signing.
There is currently legislation proposed to codify law between states, but it has been tabled by committee for about a year and may not go anywhere.
For business purposes, remote online notarization may not be the best option. As many say, business is still done with a handshake. That may not be literal, but many people want to see in person the professional they are dealing with. Especially when it comes down to many of the most important events in their life, like the mortgage for their new home.
Some people are simply not comfortable yet using technology in place of a human for important choices. They say you make impulse buys at the grocery store, and that is why they put candy and magazines with beautiful women on the road to the check out counter. The last thing you need is an impulse signing, one that ends up legally binding and can negatively affect your life.
There are people who feel more convinced with an in person signing. To them, presenting their identification should be (and is) what is required. They are confident in the in person process. They are unlikely to find themself feeling the same way with online technology.
There are people who are confused about what remote online notarization is, and how it affects their signing. There is nothing worth getting it wrong. The legal repercussions could last for years. Everything involved may be too much for some. This is what we are hoping to address here, and why Sunshine Signing’s experts can be of such great use to you.
What Does it Mean When They Say It Has to be a Wet Signing?
It’s simple. All a wet signing means is that a notarization has to be performed with a pen. Hence a wet (ink) signing.
This means that you have to perform this signing in person. This is usually only required for the most important documents like mortgages or wills. What exact signing types are affected by this vary by state and can be clarified by your friendly notary specialists in Sunshine’s Hudson, Florida office.
Not only state law can require a wet signing. Your signing partner may require it as well. Be it a bank or an individual. It is important to understand these requirements, which is one reason why you need a trusted partner like Sunshine Signing.
Are There Requirements for the Notary?
A notary must carry a log book that tracks all of their signings. This is done in all fifty states in different ways, which can be clarified further for you with a simple call to (727) 817-0000. Some of the remote online notarization software keeps its own records of the signing to act as a log for the notary.
They may not, but your notary should be certified. If the large corporations require it, why shouldn’t you? While certification is not required for a notary, it is held in high regard. It proves the notary has the knowledge and professionalism to make your signing the best possible experience.
After the Log Book is where technology really shines. The notary is required to keep the video (and audio) feed for a certain amount of time. This varies by state. But it provides a precise summation if the signing needs to go to court.
The actors in the signing, as well as the notary, are recorded the whole time. This is most likely all the evidence needed for the case, barring unlikely events or accusations. The notaries actions are conformable, leaving you with a precise summation.
So Should I Use Remote Online Notarization?
There is no right answer. It depends on the signers, the document and other signers’ requirements. We wish we could give you a more definitive answer, but there is not one that exists, and they are not likely to exist any time soon.
Beyond those firmly in one camp, the advantages and disadvantages, as well as knowing laws vary can be up in the air.
I think the one thing that this page has hit home is that it can be difficult for someone can navigate the entire process.
Or you could have someone do it for you.
If you need someone to facilitate your next remote online notarization please contact us by using the links on the banner below.
Your Nationwide Notary Signing Service
Sunshine Signing provides nationwide mobile notary and Remote Online Notarization (RON) services backed by 20 years of trusted experience in the title industry.