Digitization of the notarization process is a technological advancement that greatly shapes the legal notarization of documents. Unlike the traditional means of notarization that is in-person based, physically locating and visiting a notary public who in turn signs your document, this new technology is simpler and more convenient. The good thing is, this new approach doesn’t only benefit you. on the contrary, it improves government efficiency. Please read on to learn more about remote online notarization, how the government enjoys its efficiency, and where you can get remote notarial services.
What is Remote Notarization?
This is the process through which a state-recognized ad licensed notary public notarizes documents remotely employing various technologies. Such include electronic signatures, electronic notarial journals, record-keeping, audio-visual and identity-verification technologies. Many states adopted remote notarization legislation as the COVID-19 pandemic began. Interestingly, more states are continually embracing this new shift in notarization.
Therefore, remote notarization greatly reduces the frustrations of the paper-based and in-person notarization processes. This is a digital upgrade worth embracing. Why would you consider it? Remote notarization is convenient; you can get your documents notarized anytime and anywhere, even from the comfort of your house. Thus, you don’t have to travel anywhere to get your documents notarized. This makes remote notarization time-saving.
Once you have the paper document you want to be notarized, you (as the signer) can use your electronic device to conduct a notarial act with the notary. Remember, in e-notarization; you don’t have to be in the same physical location as your notary public. Importantly, always ensure you follow the state laws as you do this.
Notably, remote notarization heavily relies on digital recordings and electronic journaling. Also, the signatures, seals, and in some cases, the signatures are electronic.
Read: How To Draft a Will Electronically at Home
How Remote Notarization Improves Government Efficiency
Besides offering convenience to you as the signer, the government can greatly benefit from online notarization. The following ways show how the process can improve government efficiency;
Offers Traceable Record
At times, tracing paperwork can be hectic. This is one disadvantage of the in-person and paper-based notarization process. Thankfully, with remote notarization, the digitized version of your document is stored. Rather than relying on another person’s word on matters notarized documents, remote notarization ensures there is an electronic record of the same. Therefore, if the government requires a digital version of the records, it can easily trace them.
Reduces Storage and Maintenance of Documents
The availability of digital copies of notarized documents means the government doesn’t have to worry about their maintenance and storage. In the past, people would wait months before the local government submitted their documents. Currently, they can take advantage of remote notarization by submitting their documents digitally and having a downloaded copy of the same within a few hours or days.
This indicates that the states that haven’t passed laws allowing remote notarization are missing out on this efficiency.
Minimizes Fraud
With remote notarization, the government doesn’t have to spend much time determining whether the one who has signed the document and the notary public is who they say they are. This is because this technological process takes the authentication process to a new level. It is far much improved than in-person notarization. Why is this the case?
Remote notarization takes advantage of various technologies to establish identity proof. Some of the technologies used to minimize fraud include;
Read; What is an Apostille, and Why do we Need It?
- Identity Verification
As mentioned earlier, remote notarization heavily utilizes audio-visual technologies. The signers of the documents to be notarized must present their national IDs to their device’s camera. After this, the physical, visual, and cryptographic security features are confirmed.
- Digital Certificate
This is another way of assuring identities and enhancing trust in each notarial act.
- Knowledge-based authentication
In this case, the notary will ask the signer questions about their background. The signer must respond correctly, as the answers will be verified through a third-party database.
Where to Access Remote Notarial Services
Many people embraced working remotely with the emergence of the recent pandemic. This hugely led to an increase in online service provision. Besides, this move made different states embrace remote online notarization. They have thus evolved the standards governing notarization to accommodate for remote notarization. However, keep in mind that different states have varying laws. Therefore, before you opt for remote notarization, ensure your state permits it, and know the guidelines on the same. You can make consultations to be sure.
So, where can you access online notarial services? Different online platforms offer these services. Unfortunately, you may be lost for choice with such a wide variety. If this is your current situation, we recommend you do your independent research, check the various options available, and go through their reviews to determine which is the best platform depending on your need, preference, and the state’s legal requirements.
One of the best online notarial platforms you can take advantage of is notary24.com. Here, a team of professionals works with you to ensure you have your documents notarized as permitted by your state.
Read; Virtual Vs in Person Notary: Best Practices to Explore 2022
How Secure is Remote Notarization?
The advancements in technology pose security threats. After all, cybercriminals continually design and devise new methods of attacking users without their knowledge. Therefore, it is not surprising that you may wonder how safe and secure you will be when you opt for remote notarization.
E-notarization is more secure than physical notarization. Different platforms employ additional security features as a way of protecting their users and also as a means of authenticating the signed and notarized documents. However, you will still need to follow the common data privacy principles to keep yourself and your documents safe.
Final Remarks
Remote notarization is a technological advancement that has changed the notarization process for the better. It is faster and more convenient to have documents such as wills, title deeds, powers of attorney, and marriage certificates notarized than the traditional in-person system. These paper-based and physical notarization processes have resulted in a lot of inefficiencies. Thankfully, with remote notarization, you can benefit from its convenience, ease, fraud minimization, and improved security. The good news is that more governments are passing bills allowing online notarization. Therefore, if you want to notarize your documents remotely to improve government efficiency, you can take advantage of notary24.com.
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