Remote online notarization is transforming how people plan for their future, purchase homes from the comfort of their couch, and replace lost or stolen passports in record time. Connecting with a notary through your phone or computer has made the notarization process not only easier but also more accessible. Its rapid adoption marks one of the fastest enactments of public policy in history, showcasing how technology can support life’s most important moments.
However, like any new technology, remote online notarization (RON) comes with misconceptions about its capabilities and limitations. Let’s set the record straight by addressing the five most common myths about remote online notarization.
1. Remote online notarization can’t spot fake IDs
Notaries have three primary responsibilities: confirm the signer’s identity, ensure they understand the document, and verify they are signing willingly. Traditional notaries inspect government-issued IDs and ask questions to maintain the integrity of the process.
Best Local Notary enhances this process with advanced, database-driven identity verification tools. These tools prevent fraudulent IDs from being used and add an extra layer of security to transactions. Signers must provide valid identification and pass credential analysis and knowledge-based authentication before connecting with a commissioned notary.
Once connected, the notary further verifies the signer’s identity using captured ID photos and real-time questioning—ensuring the process remains as secure as traditional notarizations.
Moreover, RON platforms improve notary safety by allowing them to work from secure locations. Unlike mobile notaries who may face pressure or uncomfortable situations, online notaries can confidently perform their impartial duties through two-way video communication.
2. Remote online notarization enables fraud
This misconception stems from the rise in internet scams, particularly in real estate, but RON actually combats fraud rather than enabling it.
Fraud thrives on anonymity, whereas Best Local Notary makes identity verification a core component of every transaction. Online notarizations incorporate advanced security features, including recorded video sessions for quality assurance and legal purposes. This ensures procedural consistency and protects all parties involved.
In real estate, for instance, title agents use RON to catch fraudulent transactions before they happen. With multiple vulnerable targets in a mortgage transaction, RON provides an additional layer of security to prevent scams and protect buyers, sellers, and other stakeholders.
3. Remote online notarization can’t detect duress
A common concern is that coercion may occur off-camera, beyond the notary’s view. While this could violate the integrity of the process, it’s essential to note that no notary—remote or in-person—can detect subtle or long-term coercion.
What makes RON unique is its ability to record the entire notarial session. These recordings can later be reviewed for signs of duress or intimidation, offering evidence that traditional notarizations cannot provide. This recording capability makes RON a valuable tool for ensuring the integrity of the process.
4. Remote online notarization hinders law enforcement efforts
This myth couldn’t be further from the truth. Every RON transaction is securely recorded and tamper-sealed. Once completed, documents are stored digitally and are immediately accessible, ensuring the chain of custody is never broken.
Traditional, paper-based notarizations often lack duplicate records, leaving notaries reliant on their journals for reference. Additionally, paper documents can be lost, altered, or stolen if not handled carefully. In contrast, Best Local Notary uses encrypted storage to safeguard documents, reducing human error and providing peace of mind for all parties.
5. Anyone can conduct remote online notarizations
This is false. Remote online notarization requires notaries to meet specific qualifications and obtain an online commission. Platforms like Best Local Notary must also adhere to strict security and recordkeeping standards to conduct business legally.
Consumers may be tempted to use unauthorized methods or platforms that seem quicker or cheaper, but these alternatives sacrifice the validity of the notarized document. Educating customers about the proper RON process is vital to ensure they receive secure and legally binding notarization services.
As notarization continues to evolve in the digital age, Best Local Notary is committed to dispelling myths, enhancing consumer education, and maintaining the integrity of the notarial act. By embracing RON for its simplicity, security, and convenience, we can better serve the needs of modern signers and notaries alike.