START TO FINISH HOW IT WORKS

Online notarization, also known as Remote Online Notarization (RON), is a process that allows a person to get a document notarized remotely using audio-visual technology and electronic signatures. Here is a step-by-step breakdown of how it works:

1. The Signer Prepares the Document:

The signer first obtains the document that needs to be notarized.
The document must be in an electronic format, typically a PDF file or an image.

2. The Signer Connects with an Online Notary:

The signer uses an online notarization platform or service provider to connect with a certified notary public.
The notary is a real person, but the interaction takes place virtually through a secure, two-way video call.

3. Identity Verification:

This is a critical step to ensure the signer is who they claim to be. The notary platform uses advanced security measures for this.
Credential Analysis: The signer must present a valid government-issued photo ID (like a driver's license or passport) to the webcam. The platform uses technology to analyze the security features of the ID and verify its authenticity.
Knowledge-Based Authentication (KBA): The signer may also be required to answer a series of multiple-choice questions about their personal history, credit history, or other public records. These questions are designed to be difficult for anyone but the signer to answer correctly.

4. The Notarization Session:

Once the identity is verified, the notary and the signer meet in a secure video conference.
The notary confirms the signer's willingness to sign the document and that they understand its contents.
The signer then applies their electronic signature to the digital document.
The notary observes the signing process and applies their own electronic signature and an official digital notary seal to the document. This seal often includes a timestamp and other information that makes any subsequent changes to the document evident.

5. Recording and Record-Keeping:

For security and legal compliance, the entire notarization session is recorded and stored on the platform. This recording serves as an electronic journal and is kept as an official record of the transaction.
The notary is responsible for maintaining these records according to their state's laws.

6. Finalizing and Delivery:

After the session is complete and all parties have signed, the notarized document is finalized.
The signer can then download the completed, digitally notarized document.

Schedule your online notary appointment 👆

What are the security measures for remote online notary?

Remote online notarization (RON) platforms employ a multi-layered security approach that often exceeds the security of traditional in-person notarizations. Here are the key security measures:

1. Robust Identity Verification

RON goes beyond simply looking at a physical ID. The process typically involves multiple steps to verify the signer's identity:

Knowledge-Based Authentication (KBA): The signer is asked a series of "out-of-wallet" questions derived from public and private databases (e.g., credit history, property records). These questions are designed to be difficult for anyone but the signer to answer correctly.
Credential Analysis: The signer uploads a photo of their government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, etc.). The RON platform uses sophisticated software to analyze the ID's security features, such as holograms, fonts, and watermarks, to ensure it's not a fraudulent document.
Visual and Audio-Visual Confirmation: The notary performs a live visual comparison of the signer's face to their ID during the secure video conference. This allows the notary to confirm that the person on camera matches the verified identity.

2. Tamper-Evident Technology

A notarized document from a RON session is digitally sealed to prevent any unauthorized changes.

Electronic Signature and Notary Seal: Both the signer's electronic signature and the notary's digital seal are applied to the document. This is not just a digital image, but a cryptographic certificate that is embedded in the document.
Digital Audit Trail: The digital seal creates a "hash" or unique digital fingerprint of the document. If any part of the document is altered after the notarization is complete, the hash will change, and the tampering will be immediately evident to anyone who views the document's properties. This makes the document more secure than a paper one, which can be altered without a clear trace.

3. Secure Session and Record-Keeping

Encrypted Communication: The entire RON session, including the audio-visual connection and the exchange of documents, is protected by strong encryption. This prevents unauthorized interception of sensitive information.
Video Recording: The entire notarization session is recorded and securely stored. This recording serves as a reliable audit trail and a legal record of the transaction, providing evidence that the signer's identity was verified, they appeared to be acting voluntarily, and they understood the document they were signing.
Secure Storage: The recorded session, the electronic journal entry, and the notarized document are stored on secure servers with strict access controls, often with additional security measures like multi-factor authentication for notaries.

4. Notary Vetting and Training

The security of RON is also dependent on the people involved. Reputable RON platforms conduct rigorous vetting of their notaries, which may include:

Background Checks: Notaries are required to undergo a thorough background check before being allowed to perform online notarizations.
Specialized Training: Notaries receive training on the RON platform's technology, security protocols, and state-specific laws and regulations for remote notarization. This ensures they are proficient in using the technology and following the correct procedures to ensure a secure and compliant transaction.