If you’re living abroad and need to notarize a U.S. document, you may be wondering: is remote online notarization safe?
It’s a reasonable question. When you’re signing an important document online—particularly a power of attorney, real estate document, deed, or estate-related document—you want to know that your identity is protected, your documents are secure, and the person conducting the notarization is legitimate.
Remote Online Notarization (RON) uses multiple security and verification measures designed to help protect the integrity of the notarization. These measures can include identity verification, credential analysis, audio-video technology, electronic records, and tamper-evident documents.
For Americans living outside the United States, RON can also provide a convenient way to complete eligible U.S. notarizations without traveling back to the country.
Here are seven important security measures to understand.
1. Identity Verification Helps Confirm Who Is Signing
One of the most important security features of RON is identity verification.
Before completing an online notarization, the signer may be required to provide a valid government-issued identification document and complete additional identity verification steps.
Depending on the platform and applicable requirements, this can involve credential analysis and knowledge-based authentication or other approved methods.
The purpose is to help establish that the person participating in the online session is the person identified in the documents.
This can be particularly important for transactions involving real estate, powers of attorney, financial documents, and other high-value or sensitive matters.
2. The Notary and Signer Meet Through Audio-Video Technology
RON is not simply an electronic signature sent through email.
The signer and notary generally interact through an authorized online platform that allows them to communicate through live audio and video.
The notary can see and communicate with the signer during the notarization and complete the required notarial steps.
This live interaction provides an additional layer of verification compared with simply sending a document to someone to sign electronically.
3. RON Creates an Electronic Record of the Notarization
RON transactions generally involve electronic records associated with the notarization.
Depending on the applicable law and platform, the transaction may include records such as the electronic journal entry and an audio-video recording of the notarial session.
These records can provide evidence of what occurred during the notarization.
They can also help establish an audit trail if questions about the notarization arise later.
4. Electronic Documents Can Be Tamper-Evident
Another important security feature involves the electronic document itself.
Properly executed electronic notarization can incorporate technology designed to make unauthorized changes to a document detectable.
In other words, the goal isn’t simply to put a digital signature on a PDF. The completed document can contain information and security features that help indicate whether it has been altered after execution.
This can be particularly important when documents are being transmitted electronically between parties in different countries.
5. The Notary Is Still Responsible for Performing the Notarial Act
One misconception about RON is that everything is automated.
A commissioned online notary still performs the notarial act and is responsible for following the applicable requirements.
The notary verifies the signer’s identity, confirms the required elements of the notarization, witnesses or acknowledges the signing as applicable, and completes the notarial certificate.
RON changes how the notary and signer interact. It does not eliminate the notary’s role.
6. RON Can Reduce Certain Risks Associated With International Signings
For Americans living abroad, there can be practical security and logistical concerns associated with finding a notary in another country.
Depending on the document and circumstances, RON may allow a signer abroad to work with a U.S. online notary rather than relying on an unfamiliar local service or traveling significant distances to a U.S. embassy or consulate.
This can simplify the process for people handling:
- U.S. real estate transactions
- Deeds
- Powers of attorney
- Estate documents
- Financial documents
- Other documents requiring U.S. notarization
However, whether RON can be used depends on the document, applicable laws, and the requirements of the organization receiving it.
7. Your Own Security Practices Still Matter
Even a secure notarization platform can’t protect a signer who gives their login information to someone else or uses an unsecured device.
Before your RON appointment:
- Use a private location.
- Don’t share your account credentials.
- Use a trusted device.
- Keep your identification documents secure.
- Use a reliable internet connection.
- Make sure you’re using the correct notarization platform.
Don’t allow someone else to participate in your signing unless they are authorized and expected to be involved.
If you receive an unexpected link or request for sensitive information, verify it with the notary or company before proceeding.
Schedule a Remote Online Notarization with Atlas Notary.
Is Remote Online Notarization Safer Than Traditional Notarization?
It’s not necessarily accurate to say that RON is always “safer” than traditional in-person notarization.
The two methods have different security procedures and risks.
RON can provide advantages such as electronic identity verification, secure audio-video communication, electronic records, and tamper-evident documents.
In-person notarization provides face-to-face interaction and physical document handling.
The appropriate option depends on your document, location, applicable law, and the requirements of the person or organization receiving the document.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is remote online notarization safe for real estate documents?
RON can incorporate multiple security measures designed to protect the identity of the signer and integrity of the notarization. However, whether a particular real estate document can be notarized remotely depends on applicable requirements and whether the receiving parties accept RON.
Is RON safe for a Power of Attorney?
RON may be available for certain powers of attorney, but requirements can vary depending on the document, applicable law, and the organization receiving it.
Can someone else pretend to be me during a RON signing?
RON identity verification procedures are designed to help prevent impersonation. Depending on the jurisdiction and platform, these procedures may include government ID verification and additional authentication methods.
Are RON signings recorded?
RON transactions may involve an audio-video recording and electronic journal, depending on applicable law. These records can provide an audit trail of the notarization.
Can a notarized electronic document be changed?
Electronic notarization systems can use tamper-evident technology designed to make unauthorized changes detectable. However, the exact security features depend on the document and technology being used.
The Bottom Line
So, is remote online notarization safe?
RON uses multiple layers of security designed to protect the signer, verify identity, document the notarial act, and help protect the integrity of electronically notarized documents.
For Americans living abroad, it can also provide a convenient way to complete eligible U.S. notarizations without returning to the United States.
Schedule your Remote Online Notarization with Atlas Notary
If you need a U.S. document notarized while living outside the country, Atlas Notary can help you determine whether a remote online notarization may be an option for your signing.