Let’s Talk About Online Notarization

But Wait, There’s a Catch (or Rather, a Choice!): Picking Your Perfect Platform

With so many Online Notary platforms popping up, choosing the right one can feel a bit like navigating a digital jungle. For notaries, making the right choice is crucial. So, what should you keep an eye out for?

Your Checklist for a Top-Tier Online Notary Platform:

• Security First, Always! This isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a non-negotiable. Your chosen platform absolutely must have top-notch security features. Look for multi-factor authentication (MFA), which adds layers of protection to your account, making unauthorized access incredibly difficult.
• Recording & Journaling Power: Notaries have a legal obligation to keep a detailed journal of all notarial acts. Your platform should seamlessly support this, offering robust recording capabilities for both audio and video of the session (with the option to exclude sensitive info, of course!).
• Identity Verification: The Gold Standard: This is the bedrock of secure remote notarization. A strong platform will offer multiple ways to verify a signer’s identity, including:
  • Knowledge-Based Authentication (KBA): Those tricky questions based on credit history that only the signer would know.
  • Certificate Analysis: Verifying the authenticity of government-issued IDs.
  • Biometric Face Matching: Comparing a live selfie to the ID photo – it’s like a digital doppelganger check! (Want to dive deeper? Check out the difference between Biometric authentication and Identity verification!)
• Workflow Flexibility: Life Happens! Documents can be complex, and signers might face internet glitches. Your platform should be able to handle these real-world scenarios. Think features that allow signers to switch to a phone if their internet cuts out, or the ability to make last-minute document changes without starting over. For example, some platforms, like Secured Signing, offer an “Edit Page Mode” that lets you easily add, remove, or rearrange pages – a true lifesaver for smooth document management!
• User Experience & Stellar Support: A clunky platform is a no-go for both notaries and clients. Look for an intuitive, easy-to-navigate interface with clear instructions. And remember, good support is priceless! Comprehensive training, a responsive help desk, and a library of resources will empower you to master the system with confidence.

Choosing the right Online Notary platform is a big decision, but by focusing on these key factors – compliance, security, identity verification, workflow flexibility, and user experience – notaries can select a platform that truly meets their needs and ensures a smooth, secure, and efficient notarization process.