The current COVID-19 pandemic is greatly influencing how we conduct our day-to-day business. Many activities are taking place over the internet to curb the spread of infections and adhere to social distancing guidelines. Remote Online Notarization-
For instance, you do not have to visit your doctor’s office as consultation is possible online.
What is remote online notarization?
RON is a process that allows the signing and notarization of a document remotely or electronically. The adoption of Remote Online Notarization is another prime example of how industries are trying to adapt to the new normal.
Unlike the in-person or conventional notarizations, RON does not require the physical involvement of parties at the notary office for manual (ink and paper) signing. Remote Online Notarization enables signing virtually, relying on a special program and an app for video chatting.
Requirements for performing remote online notarization
Different conditions must be met for a RON transaction to occur according to the parties’ requirements and state legislation.
Generally, to perform a Remote Online Notarization:
- The notary must be registered and licensed in the state where the transaction is taking place.
- The technology in use must enable verification of the identity of the parties to sign.
- There is a scanning of the government-issued Driver’s license or ID for verifying the identity of the signers and the ID’s validity.
- There is stamping and tamper sealing of documents digitally. That safeguards the remote signing ceremony from potential interference and data privacy breach.
- The notary must remain with evidence of the notarial ceremony. The records kept must include videos and electronic journals.
Documents to notarize with remote online notarization
Many industries continue to discover the importance of RON in making document signing and notarizing simple and cheaper. RON is useful in various sectors, including governance, insurance, finance and technology.
For instance, in the insurance/financial sector, RON makes it possible to establish trust between parties and transfer auto titles. Through Remote Online Notarization, even both the insurer and lender can accelerate the process of resolving and refinancing a claim.
Moreover, in the legal sector, RON may enable the expediting and simplifying of notarization. Legal documents that you can notarize are affidavits and deeds.
The RON process
The steps to follow for a business to complete Remote Online Notarization involves:
- Request for notarization: The signer requests the notary to initiate the notarization process.
- Uploading of appropriate documents: In a state that allows RON, there is the provision of a platform for uploading the ID or Driver’s license of a signer.
- Identity verification: As the most vital step in the RON process, the notary can identify the signer remotely as per the state laws. Verification of the signer’s identity is possible by checking either the credit or personal history. On the other hand, the notary may ask the signer to show proof of identity via a webcam remotely.
- The virtual signing of the document using an app. Once signing is complete, the document is then sealed.
- Record keeping of all useful information during the RON process. That makes it possible to have material (audio and video) for reference in the future.
- Signers are provided with signed document copies, which they download.
Benefits of remote online notarization
- It is cost-effective compared to traditional notarization. For example, with the traditional notarization, one incurs time and money to go through lots of records to unearth the ownership of a property.
- It is difficult to compromise the security of a signed and sealed document courtesy of the RON service. It is not easy to change a digital document or parties’ signatures.
- The process promotes forthrightness since every party receives copies of the signed and sealed documents.
- Delivery of better experience to customers because documents’ signing is straightforward and parties obtain documents immediately.
- It eliminates the need for paperwork.
Even with the many potential benefits of RON, understand that it may be susceptible to data intrusion and theft. But, the process is relatively more secure than conventional notarization.
The future of remote online notarization
Especially due to the current Coronavirus pandemic, expect that the RON service will continue to benefit from more popularity. Therefore, you can seize the chance and set up your remote online notarization service.
Becoming an online notary may take about a month to complete certifications and paperwork. To remotely offer online notary, ensure you:
- Identify whether or not your state allows for the service.
- Confirm the state guidelines with an underwriter representative.
- Consider the most appropriate digital closing vendor as per your need.
- Adhere to state regulations when registering as a remote notary.
It is vital to invest in proper technology to succeed in utilizing RON. As well, remember using the RON process requires that there must be adequate planning and coordination.
