Is Remote Online Notarization Secure?
Accustomed to the convenience that’s followed the rise of electronic signature technology, many have grown frustrated with the traditional paper-based, in-person process of notarization. The good news is that remote online notarizations transform traditional notarizations into a completely digital experience.
What is Remote Online Notarization?
Allowed in Ohio since September 22, 2019, remote online notarization (RON) refers to the process of having a state-licensed notary public notarize a document remotely through the use of electronic signature, identity verification, audio-visual and electronic notarial journal and record keeping technologies.
How Does Remote Online Notarization Work?
In remote notarizations, the signer and Notary use a specific RON technology provider to personally meet over a webcam.
- The Notary confirms the signer’s identity by personal knowledge or satisfactory evidence. Ohio defines satisfactory evidence as either 1) remote presentation of a government-issued ID that contains the signature and photo of the signer, credential analysis of the ID, and identity proofing of the signer or 2) verification by one or more credible witnesses who appear in person before the Notary.
- The Notary asks the signer to confirm they understand and are willing to sign the document.
- Then, the signer signs the document with an electronic signature, and the Notary proceeds with the rest of the notarization.
- The Notary checks the document for blanks, fills out the notarial certificate block, applies an electronic seal and attaches a digital certificate containing their eSignature.
When the notarization is complete, the Notary creates a journal entry and saves an audio-video recording of the session. It should be noted that if the Notary or signer leaves the session at any point, the audio-video communication link is broken, or the resolution or quality of the transmission becomes compromised and cannot be completed, the Notary must restart the identity authentication process from the beginning.
What are the Benefits of Remote Online Notarization?
For anyone who has had to locate and visit a notary public to sign a document, the convenience of RON is obvious. But there are other benefits that RON offers over in-person, paper-based notarization, including:
- Increased access to notarial services
- Security and enforceability
- Reduced risk of identity fraud
Using RON, notaries and the industries that employ them are reducing the time it takes to deliver services to their clients and complete authorized transactions. In addition to making business more efficient and improving the customer experience, RON helps mitigate risk and fraud throughout the notarization process.
Are Remote Online Notarizations Secure?
During a notarial act, signers often disclose personal or private information such as addresses, account numbers, and financial details. One of the duties of a Notary is to respect the privacy of each signer by not using or sharing their personal or proprietary information. Notaries must also take appropriate steps to ensure privacy, and prevent any possible breaches of this information.
Among its many benefits, RON can help Notaries fulfill this duty more effectively than traditional in-person notarizations, with additional security protocols including data backup and breach notification requirements.
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