Overview
Learn about Remote Online Notarization (RON) and how it differs from traditional in-person notary services.
Traditional Notarization
For a notarization to be valid, the signer must “appear before the notary,” who verifies the signer’s identity and witnesses as the signer signs the document (and affirms the truth of its contents if it requires such an affirmation). Historically, the only option to do so was an in-person meeting with a notary.
Electronic Notarization
In 2012, Virginia became the first state to allow its signers to “appear before the notary” via live audio-video conference. This law enabled online notarizations, allowing notaries to serve clients nationwide. Virginia also established strict requirements for ID verification, document security using “digital certificates” to render documents tamper-evident, and robust record keeping, including an electronic journal of each notarial transaction and a full recording of each notarial audio-video conference session. These requirements make remote notarizations safer, more secure, and more verifiable and enforceable than traditional, paper-based notarization.
Because remote notaries conduct their notarizations online, remote notarization can be – and are – recorded, allowing anyone to verify the details and validity of a transaction after the fact in the event of any dispute.
Proof + The Notarize Network
Proof, along with the Notarize Network, was the first secure online platform that allows signers to connect conveniently with a commissioned notary to complete their notarial transactions securely and conveniently using an online audio-video conference.
You can connect with a notary no matter where you’re located and complete your notarization in a matter of minutes online. To best serve you, our notary services are available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, 365 days per year. Each notary on our platform is a legally commissioned notary public authorized to conduct notarizations over the Internet via digital tools and a live audio-video call.
Proof has been a strong advocate to help other states join the growing list of those accepting online notarization. In February 2024, we celebrated the passing of online notarization legislation in California!
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