Are Electronic Notary Publics Legal?

Key Takeaways

• Electronic notary publics are legal in many U.S. states
• There are differences between electronic notarizations and remote online notarizations
• It’s important to check state-specific requirements when it comes to electronic notarization
• NotaryPro offers accessible and reliable online notarization solutions for having documents completed quickly

Yes, electronic notary publics are legal and they provide another option for your documents to be completed from the traditional pen-and-paper notarizations and online notarizations. Electronic notary publics are legal in over 40 U.S. states, but laws and requirements may vary by state and should be checked first before proceeding to set an appointment.

What’s the Difference Between Electronic Notarization and Remote Online Notarization?

Though they may sound like the same notary process, there are some differences between the two. Here’s a quick breakdown of how to tell them apart:

For electronic notarizations:

• The signer and notary may still meet in person
• The document is presented and is in an electronic format
• The document is signed using an electronic signature and seal

For online notarizations:

• The signer and the notary don’t meet physically in the same location
• Is instead completed using two-way audio-video technology
• Also makes use of electronic documents, signatures, and seals

Checking State-Specific Requirements and When an Online Notary is Needed 

Although many U.S. states have enacted laws for electronic and remote notarizations to be legal, you should still always verify if there are any specific rules in your state and the state where the document will be used. This is because some states like Florida, Texas, and Virginia, may have their own acceptable forms of identification to bring, their own process such as knowledge-based authentication processes (KBA), or different price ranges.  And when you need a document completed immediately, an online notary’s services, like what NotaryPro offers, may just be the remote online notarization solution you need.

Online notaries provide:

• The convenience of having a notarization done within a matter of minutes
• Efficiency by having appointments scheduled remotely and removing travel costs
• Enhanced security, with encrypted e-signatures and audit logs
• Accessibility for those who live in remote areas

See How Easy It Is to Get Your Online Notarization Solution 

Electronic and online notarization services have made completing important documents easier and more efficient while maintaining the safety and security needed for legal matters. And we here at NotaryPro make it a point to be the fast and professional notary our customers rely on. See for yourself how easy it is by booking your online notary appointment today.