How is Notarize Different from Traditional Notarization Services?

Notarize is the first secure, online platform that allows signers to connect conveniently with a commissioned notary to complete their notarial transactions securely and conveniently by means of an online audio-video conference. For the first time, you can connect with a notary no matter where you’re located and complete your notarization in a matter of minutes online. To best serve you, our notary services are available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Each notary on our platform is a legally commissioned notary public who is authorized to conduct notarizations over the internet via digital tools and a live audio-video call.

How does Notarization work?

For a notarization to be valid, the signer must “appear before the notary” who verifies the signer’s identity and witnesses as the signer signs the document (and affirms the truth of its contents, if such an affirmation is required by the document).  Historically, the only option to do so has been an in-person meeting with a notary.

What is Electronic Notarization?

In 2012, Virginia became the first state to allow its signers to “appear before the notary” via live audio video conference. This law enabled online notarizations in which the notary can serve clients nationwide. Virginia also established strict requirements for ID verification, document security using “digital certificates” to render documents tamper-evident, and robust record keeping including an electronic journal of each notarial transaction and a full recording of each notarial audio-video conference session.  These requirements make remote notarizations safer, more secure, and more verifiable and enforceable than a traditional, paper-based notarization.  

Because remote notaries conduct their notarizations online, remote notarization can be – and are –  recorded, allowing anyone to verify the details and validity of a transaction after the fact in the event of any dispute.