Notarization is commonly required for legal, financial, real estate, and personal documents. Traditionally, this meant meeting a notary public face-to-face. Today, online notarization provides another option in many situations, allowing the process to take place remotely using secure technology.
Both methods can perform similar functions, but the way the notarization is completed is different. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right option for your document.
What Is an In-Person Notary?
With traditional notarization, the signer and notary meet at the same physical location. The notary verifies the signer’s identity, reviews the document as required for the notarial act, and witnesses or acknowledges the signature.
Depending on local laws and the type of document, identification such as a driver’s license or passport may be required.
In-person notarization remains widely used and can be particularly convenient when a notary is available nearby or when the receiving organization specifically requires a physical notarization.
What Is an Online Notary?
Online notarization, often called Remote Online Notarization (RON), allows eligible documents to be notarized through an online session instead of a face-to-face meeting.
The signer typically connects with a commissioned notary using live audio and video communication. Identity verification may involve government-issued identification and additional electronic verification methods. Documents and signatures are handled electronically, and the completed notarization generally includes an electronic notarial certificate and seal.
The exact process and permitted documents depend on the applicable jurisdiction.
Online vs. In-Person Notarization
The biggest difference is where the notarization takes place. An in-person notary requires a physical meeting, while an online notary conducts the session remotely.
Online notarization can be useful for people who are traveling, living abroad, working unusual hours, or simply unable to visit a notary’s office. It can also reduce travel time and make scheduling easier.
Traditional notarization, however, may be preferable when original paper documents are involved or when the organization receiving the document does not accept remote notarization.
Is Online Notarization Legal?
Remote online notarization is authorized in many U.S. jurisdictions, but the rules are not identical everywhere. Requirements may depend on where the notary is commissioned, the type of document being notarized, and where the completed document will be used.
A document being accepted in another state or country can introduce additional requirements. International use, for example, may also involve authentication or an apostille after the appropriate notarization process.
Which Option Should You Choose?
Neither method is automatically better. Online notarization offers convenience and flexibility, while an in-person notary provides a traditional process that may be required for certain transactions or documents.
Before choosing, check the requirements of the organization that will receive the document. Confirm whether electronic or remote notarization is accepted and whether an original paper document, additional certification, or apostille is necessary.
Taking a few minutes to verify these requirements beforehand can he