A notary public is a state-appointed person who is authorized to notarize documents and attest to the authenticity of the document matter. Apostles, acknowledgements, oaths and disclosures are often signed in front of a notary public as an acceptable form of truth for legal documentation.
Who is a notary public?
A notary public clears the requisite course and exam as prescribed in a state. Usually, a notary public of one state cannot earn a commission from another state unless there is a reciprocated understanding between the two states. However, they can offer their services and attest the documents at large from other countries.
Technology has permeated the thick walls of legal places and with intention to hasten the process of notarizing important documents remote online notarization services are available in current times.
Common types of Notarizations
A notary public will witness and attest to the following types of notarization requirements:
- Signature witnessing
There are several documents like notices to add or remove a title, indemnity to pay or fulfill an agreement, power of attorney, handgun permits, etc that need to be where the signature has to be witnessed and attested by a notary public.
- Acknowledgment
Documents that prove ownership like title deeds of property, and share and bond certificates, are acknowledged in front of a notary public. In cases where a person is required to appear in front of a notary public to acknowledge that the signature on a document belongs to them and it is intended to sign it in complete agreement with the provisions of the document, is a notarized acknowledgment
- Copy certifications
Several institutions require true copies of the original documents. This work is known as copy certifications and is usually carried for college transcripts, passports, or government IDs.
- Jurat
When a person is required to sign in front of a notary and swear or affirm that the contents of the information are true in case of affidavits and depositions, then it is known as jurat.
Delivery modes of a notary in changing times
Traditionally notary requirements are carried out by walking into an office of a notary public or a bank where the service can be availed. But with changing times virtual modes of notary delivery are accepted by state laws which may vary about the acceptance levels. There are two types of delivery modes for a virtual notary.
- Remote online notary
- Electronic or eNotary
Though the concept is virtual in both cases, they vary in format and acceptance in different states.
Remote online notary (RON)
A RON uses audio-visual images to fulfil the requirement of a person who is signing to appear in front of a notary public. The person who has to sign will validate their ID and other paperwork with a notary public on a video call that is usually recorded and signed in front of the camera for the notary to witness. The person who is signing the document and the notary public need not be present in front of each other. This form is also known as an online or webcam notary.
Electronic notary
Electronic notary or notarization is a digital format of notary where the signature and notary certificate or seal are digital forms using eSignature and electronic stamps. Instead of a paper document with a rubber stamp indicating a notary seal, the notary public will attest to the document digitally where the concerned document exists as an electronic data readable format.
However, the physical presence of the notary public and the person signing is mandatory in an electronic format. Except for digital signatures and seal of approval from notaries, every other element of a traditional notary persists in an eNotarization.
Benefits of remote online notary
In financial services, notarization is an important step for documentation purposes to maintain legal sanctity and be compliant with the regulations stipulated by the authorities. Remote online notarization platforms aid institutions with round-the-clock services that match the business requirements of organizations. Here are some of the listed benefits of a remote online notary:
- Gaining traction
A point of convenience and ease offered by RON is the ability of the person required to sign the document and notary public in different locations. This enables ease of doing business for institutions like banks where their prospective consumer who seeks a loan can complete the notary requirements through a webcam presence and sign the documents in the virtual presence of a notary public.
When things are simplified during the onboarding and loan origination cycle, a consumer will experience commendable service that will act as an indirect booster for future banking relations.
- Error alerts
The futuristic remote online notary platforms are designed to detect errors of omission and missed signatures. An alert is sent to the collaborating teams and the missed signatures can be filled through the RON platform without asking the person to walk into a branch.
Benefits of an eNotarization
- Eco-friendly and long-lasting
In a world that is moving to paperless documentation, eSignatures, and authentic stamping through eStamping by a notary public is a step forward and futuristic. As paper-based documents tend to spoil over time, this is indeed a good way to preserve them.
- Acceptance
Since eNotarization is the only digital format with every other element of a traditional notary, it is accepted in all fifty states by the passing of the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA) in 2000 which allows the use of eSignatures to complete transactions and notarizations.
Conclusion:
Businesses can scale when operations spread to far-flung places as the channels of communication are improving and connecting with anyone through video calls is possible. In a world where people are showing live videos of their travels or shopping with families and loved ones, business approvals should not lag because of rigid rules.
Lending requires remote closings in several projects and can be facilitated only when the entire process is flexible and open to change for relevance. With remote online notarizations, business decisions can be more effective and cross the barriers of boundaries.
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