Many of the most important legal documents in life need to be notarized. Generally, to have any document notarized, the client must visit the notary public’s office or arrange for a face-to-face meeting with the notary public for the notarization of a document to be completed.
But things are changing, and the Digital age has made some pretty great developments in the field of notarization. Because of that, most states now permit electronic notarization using an electronic signature or an eSeal.
What Is Online Notarization? Â
An online notary is a notary public commissioned by the state to perform notarial acts remotely using two-way audio-visual technology. Online notaries use video conferencing software to identify and authenticate signers and witness their signatures on documents in real time.
Unlike traditional notaries, who must physically be in the same room as the signer, online notaries can serve anyone with an internet connection. Online notaries are becoming increasingly popular since they offer a practical way to perform notarizations without leaving your house or taking a day off.
Online notarizations can be simple and convenient, but working with a qualified and experienced online notary is important to ensure that the transaction is handled properly from start to finish.
With basics out of the way, let’s have a look at some of the major benefits of RON:
Remote Online Notarization: The Pros
The advantages of online notarization go beyond ensuring the completion of tasks effectively but also offer other benefits that serve businesses well. Benefits include:
Convenience
As discussed above, RON provides obvious convenience not only for the consumer, but notaries can reap the benefits alike. For instance, meeting a notary public in person may take some time. But for lenders, online notarization is a much more easy approach.
Apart from that, with the ability to schedule an online appointment at a time that suits them, borrowers can expedite the closing and potentially get their loan funds faster. Borrowers may also stay in the same digital environment from application to close.
Protection From Fraud
People generally believe that online notarization is more secure than in-person notarization. But why? Traditionally, in-person notarizations involve a notary manually reviewing a photo ID or passport, which isn’t always precise. Apart from that, their sessions are recorded when remote notaries perform online notarization. So, in case of any dispute, the notary public can always verify the transaction.
So, it all comes down to this: Online notarizations add additional protection through identity authentication.
Error Alerts
With paper-based procedures, it’s simple to make a mistake or forget to get a signature. But, this is less likely with remote online notarization since missed or incomplete fields are detected. This allows clients to address problems proactively and prevents delays.
Shortened Turnaround Time For Lenders
New levels of efficiency are one of the many advantages that online notarization offers lenders. Since they no longer need to travel, notaries can validate more documents quickly. Additionally, with an end-to-end digital process, a notary pubic can sign, notarize, and process the documents – all on the same day.
Remote Online Notarization: The Cons
We live in an era completely overcome by technology. Nearly all of us are use to digitization. And while technology usually lends a helping hand, we also need to be careful not to let it invade our private lives.
here are a few reasons why online notarization may not be as useful as you think:
Major Fraud Risk
Yes, it may seem contradictory, given what you just read above. But since the entire notarization process is online, there’s always a chance that someone may steal your confidential data.Â
Without secure data servers processing the data you upload to the notarization platform, your personal information like your ID credentials and legal papers would be exposed to the internet. Once that information is public, there’d likely be a potential cyber attack.
It’s More Costly
According to the number of signatures or people, a standard notary will charge between $0.25 and $20. On the other hand, online notaries charge $25 for each notarized signature, which is roughly twice as much. This means if you have multiple documents with multiple signers, you’ll spend much more with an online notary than with a local notary.
You Might Want To Start Over The Entire Procedure
A major hurdle in online notarization is often the receiving party may not accept an out-of-state notary seal.
A little-known fact is that it’s up to the receiving party to decide whether they will accept the notarization. One major drawback of online notarization is that not all states currently offer them, and recipients are not obliged to accept an out-of-state seal, especially if the organization is government-run. Then, you’ll have to spend more money and time having your paperwork re-notarized by a local notary in your state of residence.
The Verdict
Considering the above-given pros and cons, its quite clear that online notarization is here to stay and is likely to become mainstream in the coming times, attributed to its fast adoption, availability, and the convenience it has brought into our lives.
Are you willing to give mobile notary services a try? Consider contacting platforms like United Mobile Notary and have your documents notarized today!
