Digital entrepreneurs, expats, and nomads can finally rejoice! You can notarize your documents 100% remotely, from anywhere in the world, by a US certified notary.
Keep reading to find out how and why it’s your best choice.
Notary Public Definition
A notary public is a person who acts as the impartial witness in the process of signing official documents.
How to Notarize Your Documents
First, the notary public has to verify your identity. They’ll ask you for your identification document.
Then, they might ask some questions. They’ll make sure that you’re signing the document out of your own free will and aren’t pressured into it. They’ll check that you understand the importance of the document. That you have the mental capacity to make the decision to sign.
Finally, the notary public will witness you signing the document. They’ll sign and stamp the document to verify it.
What Types of Documents Are Notarized?
Not all documents need to be notarized. Only documents that carry a lot of importance for you, your estate, or business.
The types of documents that you need to notarize may include articles of incorporation, commercial leases, vendor contracts, loan agreements, etc.
In many foreign countries law practitioners act as notaries. This isn’t the case in the U.S.
You should not ask your notary for legal advice, and you should not take legal advice from a notary. Instead, reach out to a law practitioner.
What Is a Remote Notary?
A remote notary is a notary service that’s offered to you 100% online.
Before 2011, it was essential to meet face to face with a notary public. This is because the notary has to witness you sign the documents and check your identity.
In 2011 Virginia passed a bill that made online notarization possible. Instead of facing the notary in person, it became legal to complete the process via a conference call with audio and visual communication.
Virginia was the first state to allow notaries to offer their services online. Since then, many other states have also adopted this practice and passed bills that legalize it.
Virtual notaries are a convenient and efficient solution to speeding up the paperwork process. Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Expats, nomads, and digital entrepreneurs benefit by not having to return to the USA every time they need a document notarized.
How Does Remote Online Notarization Work?
It’s an easy and fast process. Much more efficient than notarization in person. You simply connect with a notary via a video conferencing platform.
First, you submit your document to the notary. This happens on a secure platform.
Then, you’ll participate in a video conference call with the notary. During the call, they’ll check your identity and ask you to sign the document. Finally, the notary will add a digital seal to the document, certifying its notarization.
The video conference allows for visual and audio communication. This satisfies the same requirements as in-person notarization.
All the signing is done online using secure digital signature systems and seals.
Is Virtual Notarization As Valid As The Traditional Method?
Yes, having your documents notarized online will not impact the validity of your documents.
Which States Allow Remote Online Notarization?
Not all states allow online notary services, but several do.
The states which have not yet passed the bill to make online notary services possible are very likely to do so soon.
Currently (as of July 2021), the following states permit online notary services:
Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
What if Online Notarization Isn’t Legal In My State?
It doesn’t matter if your state doesn’t allow online notarization right now. Notaries can offer their services to out-of-state clients as long as they perform the notarizations in their state of commission.
So, a notary from Ohio who is permitted to notarize documents online can do so for anyone, as long as they are in Ohio while they’re notarizing the document. It doesn’t matter where you are or which state your business is registered in.
Are Remote Online Notaries Likely to Stay?
The pandemic has made the world realize how efficient remote work is.
Naturally, online notarization also gained popularity during the pandemic.
It’s safe to say, that online notarization is definitely here for the long run. There’s no reason why we should take a step back and make things more difficult.
It’s just as secure as in-person notification, but it’s much more efficient.
No matter what the pandemic situation is going to look like in the future, the benefits of online notarization will persist post-pandemic.
How to Get Your Documents Notarized Online?
The process is fast and simple. All you have to do is create a free account with businessanywhere.io. You’ll have access to your own dashboard in minutes.
From the dashboard, you make a secure payment and book your appointment with the notary.
Then all you have to do is attend the video conference with the notary. You’ll have access to the notarized document inside your dashboard. You’ll be able to notarize more documents in the future, right from the same dashboard. Keeping all your documents organized.
Summary
Yes, remote online notarization is legal.
Even if your state has not yet passed a bill to make it possible for notaries to offer remote services. You can have your documents notarized by a notary commissioned by a state which has already passed the relevant bill. Your documents will be valid in your state, and all other states.
Create Your Own Virtual Notary Dashboard
Get your documents notarized right away! Click here to sign up for a free account, and see how easy it is to get your documents notarized.
