In online notarizations, the signer personally appears before a remote Notary in real-time using audio-video technology. The Notary verifies the signer's identity using traditional identity-proofing methods with the addition of two steps unique to remote online notarizations:

o Knowledge-Based Authentication (KBA) and credential analysis.

o Once the online Notary verifies the signer's identity, they complete the notarization with the attachment of an electronic Notary seal and a digital certificate.

A notary can verify and attests to the signer’s true identity, willingness, and awareness to signing a document such as deeds, transfers of sale, mortgages, and other contracts that are legitimate and, therefore, legally binding. This helps combat fraud or identity theft that could arise during transactions and give all parties assurances that the documents have been executed properly.

The individual signing the document must accept methods of identification by appearing in real-time, live on auto-video technology in person. Here’s what you’ll need:

1.) Audio-visual equipment — Webcams, high-speed internet, and a computer, tablet, or smartphone with two-way audio are a must

2.) Valid photo identification — One to two forms of identification, which could be some combination of a driver’s license, U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization, Green card/PR card, military I.D., Certificate of U.S. Citizenship

3.) Pass - Knowledge-based authentication (KBA). KBA is a method of confirming a user’s identity based on something the user knows, such as personal or financial information. It is a second-factor authentication that challenges the user to enter their name, address, or answer to a security question.

4.) Witnesses — States such as Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, and South Carolina call for witnesses to sign certain documents. These witnesses will need to be with you in the same room, and they’ll also need valid I.D.

5.) Once you have these ready to go, the Notarial Act proceeds as expected.

6.) Payment for notarial services

The individual signing the document must appear in person and present a valid picture ID. Here’s what you’ll need:

1.) Bring a valid picture ID such as:

o Government issued ID

o Driver's License

o Passport

o Military ID

2.) The complete document you wish to notarize

3.) Any other individuals (with proper ID) who will be signing the document

4.) Payment for notarial services

As the signer, you must tell the Notary what type of notarization you need. Notaries can describe what the primary notarial acts are, but they cannot recommend one over another. It's illegal for a Notary Public to give advice like this unless they are also a licensed attorney.

Generally, notarizations come in three basic types:

Acknowledgments — The purpose of an acknowledgment is to declare that you have willingly signed a document.

Jurats — The purpose of a jurat is for you to swear or affirm that the contents of the document are true.

Copy Certifications — The purpose of a certified copy is to have the Notary confirm that the copy is an exact match of the original. This is not allowed in all states.

If you're not sure what kind of notarization you need, contact the document drafter or receiving agency to confirm what notarial act they require before you visit the Notary. If in doubt, you may contact a lawyer for guidance.

Cannot notarize the document under these circumstances:

o If the signer is not physically present or appearing in real-time, live on auto-video technology in person.

o If the document contains missing pages or blanks that should be complete at the time of notarization.

o Post-date a notarial certificate, or date it earlier than the actual date of notarization.

o If the notarial certificate is blank.

o If the signer cannot be positively identified through personal knowledge or satisfactory evidence of identification.

o If the document is not "original," bearing the signer's original, signature.

o If the required notarial act is not indicated by the document, the signer or someone connected to the document.