Amid COVID-19, remote online notarizations have picked up steam, especially in the State of Wisconsin. They have provided a safe and convenient way for individuals to get the notarizations they need while still maintaining their safety.
For notaries, this process meant less printing, less traveling, and overall less out-of-pocket expenses. A major bonus was the added benefit of being able to take on more clients. This was due to the time saved from traveling which led to the ability to take on more appointments.
So lets dive in to the what's, why's and how's of remote online notarization. If you find you are in need of a remote online notarization click the link to your right to schedule: Jade's Notary Remote Online Scheduling.
What is remote notarization?
With remote notarization, a signer personally appears before the Notary at the time of the notarization using audio-visual technology over the internet instead of being physically present in the same room. Remote online notarization is also called webcam notarization, online notarization or virtual notarization.
Is remote notarization the same as electronic notarization?
Many people confuse electronic notarization with remote notarization, believing they are the same. They are not.
Electronic notarization, or eNotarization, involves documents that are notarized in electronic form, and the Notary and document signer sign with an electronic signature. But all other elements of a traditional, paper notarization apply to electronic notarization, including the requirement for the signer to physically appear before the Notary.
The confusion arises from the fact that remote notarizations typically involve digital documents that are signed and notarized electronically. However they go a step further in that the transaction is conducted online rather than in person.
Wisconsin Specific Laws
According to the wdfi.org, if you're a Wisconsin Notary who wants to perform remote online notarizations you need to get trained on the standards for remote online notarization through an approved technology provider, and you need to use their software platforms to perform the remote online notarial acts.
The Importance: these platforms are capable of identity-proofing, credential verification, recording and retention, and other safeguards to ensure the integrity of the notarial process.
Notarize and DocVerify (for notarizations of any type of document) and Pavaso (for real estate transactions) are each offering online training opportunities for Wisconsin notaries. The provider will let us know once you’ve completed training and are ready to begin performing remote online notarizations using their platforms. WDFI will keep a list of all Wisconsin notaries who are authorized to perform remote online notarizations and which technology platform you’re using. Once you’re trained with an approved provider, you are authorized to begin performing remote online notarizations using the provider’s platform.
For More Information
For more information, take a look at this video provided by the NNA (National Notary Association).
About The Author
Olivia Jade Kelly is an entrepreneur and owner of Jade's Notary, where she serves as a dully commissioned notary public for the State of Wisconsin and a certified Loan Signing Agent as well as certified Remote Online Notary. In addition to being the owner of Jade's Notary, Olivia is the proud owner of Visions of Jade, LLC, where she utilizes her years of experience as a virtual assistant and consultant. For more information as well as to shop my store click Visions of Jade, LLC.
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