Accessibility of the Notarize Platform

If you are interested in using the Notarize platform but have a disability, this article provides guidance on whether Notarize is right for your needs.  

Select a link below to jump to the section you need:

• People Who Are Physically Unable to Sign
• People Who Have Vision Impairment
• People Who Have a Speech or Hearing Impairment
• Tools in the Notarize Platform to Help Signers With Disabilities

🎯Primary Audience: Signers

Can someone who is physically unable to sign use Notarize?

Traditional notarization is recommended in this case. 

In some states, a notary can allow a person who is physically unable to sign to direct another person (or the notary) to sign the document on their behalf. This is called a proxy signer. The requirements for proxy signers differ by state and are not automatically enforced by the Notarize platform. Additionally, some states require the notary to act as the proxy signer and sign on the person’s behalf, a functionality that is not yet available on the platform.

Notarize is unable to ensure that you will be connected with a notary from a state that allows proxy signing or that the notary will know and complete the notarial certificate in accordance with their state’s requirements. Therefore, we recommend that the person bring their documents to a traditional notary to complete their notarization.

Can people who have vision impairment use Notarize?

Signers with a vision impairment can utilize their keyboards and screen readers to navigate the Notarize platform to complete pre-meeting steps before meeting with a notary. Some signers may require additional assistance to take a picture of their ID for credential analysis if they are unable to do so independently with the tools available.

When performing a notarization for a signer who is blind or visually impaired, a notary must consider both the signer’s ability to identify the document that is being notarized as well as their ability to sign the document and complete designations. Although signers who are blind can usually identify their document by having the notary read it out loud or by using a screen reader, they can not independently sign or complete designations on the document. Instead, another person must be physically present with them to direct them through the notary meeting.

The person directing the signer should not sign or complete designations on the signer’s behalf, as this would require them to act as a proxy signer, further limiting their ability to complete the notarization on the Notarize platform. (Proxy signing is a functionality that is not yet available on the platform.)

Can people who have a speech or hearing impairment use Notarize?

Yes. The signer must clearly communicate with the notary during the notarization but can do so through writing or sign language. If the signer uses an interpreter, they must assume the risk of the notary being unwilling to complete their notarization or issues with the notarization’s recognition and acceptance by third parties.

See below for tools to help you communicate with the notary.

What tools does the Notarize platform have to help signers with disabilities?

In-meeting chat is available to help you communicate with the notary during a meeting for certain transactions. Read Use In-Meeting Chat During Your Notary Meeting for more information.

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