It is crucial to notarize your documents when dealing with a client to prove the validity of your documents and transactions. The process involves vetting your copy, certification, and record keeping. Electronic notarization, remote notary, and mobile notary are the different ways you can get a notarial act.
Although there are differences between these technologies, the end goal is to notarize your documents safely and effectively. To understand how these notarizations work, you need to know who is notary public and the roles. A notary public is an officer appointed by the state government to witness the signing of vital documents and assist in case of fraud. To differentiate these notarizations, you need to understand how they work, as outlined below.
Electronic notarization
An electronic notary, also known as E-Notary notarizes a document for you while all participants are present. It can perform some or all notarization processes with technology. E-Notary does not use a regular ink signature on your document; instead, the notary adds an electronic tamper-evident seal. The electronic seal will help show any tampering with the records from unauthorized personnel.
In electronic notary, tablets and laptops replace paper, eSeals replace ink stamps, and you may use a stylus or mouse or choose a particular font for signature. Electronic notarization and remote online notarization are usually utilized interchangeably, but they have slight differences. In electronic notarization, participants must be present physically, while transactions are done online at different locations in remote notarization.
However, it is crucial to note that not every notary has the skill or authority to do electronic notarization. A notary must first register with the official body of the Commonwealth Secretary. The notary also has to prove advanced tech skills in electronic seals and signatures.
Mobile notary
A mobile notary is a traditional method where the notary travels to your location to do the notarization acts. It can also be referred to as a traveling notary public. The meeting needs to be scheduled for convenience. You can schedule an appointment at a specific time that suits you.
Unlike conventional notaries, mobile notaries do not have time restrictions. Mobile notaries offer services at any time and anywhere. The disadvantage of this notarization is that it is time-consuming before you get a suitable mobile notary compared to electronic and remote notarization.
Mobile notaries are commonly applied in loan signings, but you may have to travel to perform general notary work. No technology is used with mobile notaries, but traveling to your customer makes the service convenient. General notary work will charge fees per stamp and travel depending on the state. In some states, an attorney can perform loan signings if mobile notary signing agents are unavailable. Although not all states will allow additional travel fees on top of the notarization fee, most accept this cost.
Remote online notary
A remote online notary is an online notarial act. Participants are in different locations, so the overall process is done through audio or video using a computer or a mobile device. This notary has become beneficial due to the social restrictions during this COVID-19 pandemic. The remote online notarization process may seem overwhelming if you have never done it before, but you will learn how easy it is with NotaryLive.
The process involves four steps: uploading your document, verifying your document, connecting with one of the live notaries, and finally downloading and printing your document. It is the most convenient notary service to accomplish your need in your comfort since you do not have to leave the house to meet your client. Not all states approve remote notarization, but that does not mean you cannot notarize your document in that format if you live there. The rules only apply to the notaries commissioned there. As long as you follow the laws of the commissioning state, your documents will be legal.
The cost of remote online notarization depends on the state location of the notary, not the signer. Maryland is the cheapest state. If you are a signer, you must qualify for a Knowledge-Based Authentication and scan your license or passport before conducting a remote online notarization. Remote online notarization operates throughout so that you can do all of their services at any location and time.
A professional notary partner can notarize your documents remotely if you encounter complex documents. The crucial benefit is that you do not have to travel to look for a nearby notary to notarize your documents. Remote notarization outstands these other methods due to its high security, better borrower experience, saving time, and immediate error alerts.
Since more notary service personnel are becoming accessible currently, it can be challenging to narrow down to the best option. The notarization process is vital during marriage certification, preparing wills, real estate transactions, or attorney general powers. It would be best to choose electronic, remote, or mobile notarization to ensure safety, convenience, and minimal fraud of your documents.