Frequently Asked Questions
What is Notarization?
Notarization is the process whereby a Notary certifies a document. Usually this is done by attaching a notarial certificate to the document. The notarial certificate contains statements of fact or law in relation to the document being certified. This certificate contains the Notary's name, commission number, and their commission's expiration date.
Do I need an appointment?
Yes. Since we provide a virtual service, ALL appointments must be booked and confirmed at least 15 minutes before the desired appointment time.
What is a remote notary?
A remote notary is a legally commissioned notary public who is authorized to conduct notarizations over the internet via digital tools. (i.e. zoom or skype) All notaries, no matter how they perform their service, must watch as someone signs a document. Historically, this has required that the notary and signer must travel to meet one another in-person where the notary serves as a witness during the signing event.
In 2012, Virginia became the first state to allow notaries to conduct notarizations online over live audio/video calls. Specifically, they clarified that the requirement that the signer physically appear before the notary during the signing event could be satisfied via an audio/video call. This law enabled online notarizations and created the concept of a remote notary, but Virginia went even further. They specifically empowered their notaries to serve clients WORLDWIDE. They also established strict requirements for ID verification, tamper proofing, and document retention that have made remote notarizations safer and more reliable than a standard in-person notarization. The name “Remote Notary” is derived from the fact that the notary serves the customer remotely over the internet.
What is an electronic notary?
An Electronic Notary or In-Person Electronic Notary is a commissioned notary public that is permitted to perform notarial acts electronically without the use of paper, but by state law the parties are required to be physically present. Electronic notary is often confused with remote notary, but it is important to keep in mind that they are different based on legal definitions.
Is online notarization legal?
Yes, it is. In 2012, Virginia became the first state to authorize notaries to notarize documents remotely via live audio/video platfroms. These online notarizations are accepted across the world due to a long-standing body of laws in each state/country/territory that specifically provides recognition and acceptance of out-of-state notarizations. In addition to laws in each state recognizing and accepting common out-of-state notarizations, the Full Faith and Credit Clause of the US Constitution may provide an additional basis for states to accept out of state notarizations. Certain states and public agencies have specific additional requirements and limitations for accepting electronically-signed documents and out-of-state notarizations, and NOT ALL documents may be electronically-signed. We always recommend checking with your intended recipient to confirm their acceptance of online notarizations.
What if my documents require physical (wet) signatures?
In some cases, your recipient may require original signatures from all signers. In order to fulfill this requirement, you will need to meet with a notary over video chat to show ID and sign your documents. After the session, you will mail the original documents to the address provided by your notary. Once received, the document will be notarized and sent to your recipient. (Shipping NOT included)
What are the acceptable forms of ID that I can use?
Acceptable forms of ID include the following photo IDs if valid and unexpired. Your state may have other allowable IDs or may exclude use of some items on this list, so always check:
– U.S. State Issued Driver’s License
– U.S. State Issued Photo ID
– U.S. Passport Book
– U.S. Passport Card
– Certificate of US citizenship
– Certificate of Naturalization
– Foreign Passport
– Alien Registration Card with Photo
– Military ID
Can I use this service if I am not from Virginia?
Yes, we have notarized documents for signers all over the WORLD. Interstate recognition of notarial acts is well established.
Since we are not allowed to provide legal advice, see the links below for further information.
Additional Resources:
https://usvirtualnotary.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Virgina-Code-Tile-47-1-Notaries.pdf
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Full_Faith_and_Credit_Clause
https://www.docverify.com/Products/E-Notaries/What-States-Allow-Electronic-Notary
How does online notarization work?
You are connected with a commissioned notary public via live audio/video call. The notary public confirms your identity visually using their photo ID, and then witnesses as you sign the document. Just like a traditional notarization, the notary then signs and places their notarial seal on your document.
How does online notarization differ from standard notarization?
All notarial acts still remain the same. The only difference between the two are the tools that are involved. One is done online and the other is done in-person.
What if my document requires a witness?
Many transactions require more than just a notary and signer. If you’re signing a document that requires a witness, you’ll want to make sure you let us know before your appointment. Just reply to you confirmation email and we will make sure they have access to the session as well.
If you’d like us to provide a witness for you, let your notary know by requesting a witness in your confirmation email response.
What types of documents do you notarize?
We can notarize ANY and EVERY type document that would need to be notarized in the business world. In an online notarization, both you and the notary electronically sign the notarized document. Per federal and state laws such as the ESIGN Act and the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA), when both sides agree to perform their transaction electronically, electronic signatures are just as valid as handwritten signatures for virtually all documents. Some states, public agencies, and/or court systems impose additional requirements and limitations for accepting electronically-signed documents, so it’s always important to check with your intended recipient to confirm their specific requirements for accepting electronically signed and notarized documents.
We currently do not Notarize:
– Birth, Marriage, or Death Certificates
– Divorce Decrees
– Deeds and certain Documents related to Property
What if I have additional signers?
If your document must be signed by more than one person, you have a two options:
1. You and your secondary signer can be co-located (in the same physical location), log into the session with the notary together, on the same device, and get your documents notarized.
OR
2. If your document requires two or more signers and they’re not co-located, all signers must complete separate transactions. Each signer would request an appointment and upload an unsigned copy of his/her document. When complete, you will have separately notarized documents that you may then submit to your recipient agency or institution. (You all could also all be on the same video call.)
Are your notaries commissioned?
Yes. We are commissioned in the Commonwealth of Virginia which authorizes notaries to perform notarial acts online WORLDWIDE.
Can I Come To Your Location?
Yes! We do have a physical location that you can come to. The address is displayed on our homepage of our website!!