Notarization - A traditionally face-to-face process, has recently witnessed a digital change thanks to the use of mobile notary and Remote Online Notarization (RON) technologies. Anybody with internet access can get documents signed and notarized online. Businesses can now provide clients a seamless experience while saving time and money.
And, if you want to start performing remote online notarizations (RON), you will likely need a RON vendor who will provide the tools to perform RONs and securely store your electronic records. But, with dozens of RON platforms, each being different, how do you choose the best vendor for you?
Well, that's why we've put together this post to find the best notarization platform for your business.
But first, let's clear up the basics:
What Is A Remote Online Notarization Provider?
Notaries, in-person or online, are authorized personnel who help mitigate the risk of fraudulent signatures on legal documents. Although, for many decades, notarizations have been performed in-person and on paper. But, in today's fast-moving work environment, paper-based notarizations are slowing down the pace of businesses, delivers a poor notarization experience, and increases the risk of fraud. All in all, it has become obsolete.
Fortunately, organizations now have opted for Remote Online Notarization, which allows signers to connect with real-life notaries via video-audio technology to notarize their documents online.
How Does It Work?
Online notarization platforms allow documents to be signed and verified using encrypted audio-video technology and robust identification tools. The entire notarization process typically takes minutes to complete and consists of the following steps:
The signer logs onto the RON platform and starts the authentication process using ID verification tools like credential analysis and knowledge-based authentication.
The signing party and witnesses are invited to a video chat session that the notary is recording.
The notary notarizes the paperwork using electronic notarization, and the signer digitally signs the documents.
The notary provides copies of the notarized documents to the signer and/or business.
Online notarization is almost the same as traditional one, with the exception that customers can have their documents notarized faster, and can make adjustments whenever and wherever they like without having to print out paperwork or travel to a notary.
What To Consider When Choosing An Online Notary Platform?
Below are some key aspects to look for in a RON platform.
State Laws
The first thing is to confirm that the platform completely adheres to your state's notary laws because each state has specific rules for online notarization. For instance, certain states have a list of registered vendors, and notaries are only permitted to choose one from the list. However, in other states, notaries are free to use any notarization platform, given that that platform adheres to all the laws put forth by the state.
Security
The second most important aspect is the platform's security measures to protect your information and records. A reputable platform should be able to provide you with technical information about their security methods, including information about a tamper-proof seal to identify alterations in notarized documents.
Ensure your provider offers security beyond just the app, including encrypted transmission of journal entries and whether they allow unauthorized personnel to access these records without your consent.
eSignatures
Depending on your state's requirements, you may need a digital certificate, E-signature, or seal to perform RONs. When looking for a RON platform, you should ask if the platform provides notaries with a digital certificate or eSeal or if you should purchase your own.
Typically, top RON platforms have electronic signature technology built into their apps. That way, the notarization process smooths out, allowing participants to stay in the app for all their needs.
User Experience
How user-friendly the RON platform is for you and your signers is a crucial factor to consider while making your decision. It's helpful to test the platform for yourself and ask questions like: Are directions clear and easy to follow? How does it work on different devices? How quickly does the platform respond to your queries etc.? All these elements of the user experience are important to consider when choosing the ideal RON platform.
Tech Support
Lastly, even if you have a great RON platform, it won't be much help if you don't know how to use it properly. So, when choosing a RON platform, you must ask if they offer training on how to use their system as well as tech support if you encounter a problem during a notarization.
Conclusion
Nobody wants to get stuck and have their day ruined by just notarizing documents the traditional way. It's time we work smartly and use technology to our advantage to make notarization smooth and efficient. And for that, we need to choose the right RON platform that can't only perform online notarizations but also securely store your electronic records. Luckily, now that you have these above-given tips with you, you'll have no difficulty finding reliable online or mobile notary public services nearby.
Still having difficulty finding the right pick, then consider contacting platforms like United Mobile Notary and have your documents notarized today!