Notary FAQs

1. What is online notarization?

   Online notarization allows a person to appear before a commissioned notary public in real-time using audio/video technology. To learn how it works, click here.

2. Is online notarization legal?

   Yes! Online notarization is just another method of performing notarizations. A document notarized online is as legally valid as one notarized via traditional paper-based notarization.

3. What do I need to get started?

   Compliance requirements vary by state. Use this map to learn more about the specific requirements and onboarding process for your state.

4. How do I get paid for my work on the platform?

   For each transaction you complete on the Notarize platform, you’ll be paid directly through Stripe. Please note that you’ll need to create a Stripe Connect account and set up your preferred payment details in order to be compensated, which will occur as soon as the signer has paid for their document through the platform.
   

5. What training opportunities are available to me?

   To get you started and set up for success on the platform, Notarize offers an exclusive, best-in-class, and self-paced comprehensive onboarding and training program. Once completed, you’ll have ongoing opportunities and access to continued learning and development to support your growth and advancement.
   

6. Where are online notarizations valid and enforceable?

   Online notarizations are valid and enforceable in every state with their validity determined by applying the law of the notary’s commissioning state. As public officials of their state, notaries must perform notarizations in compliance with the laws of their state, and every state recognizes properly performed notarizations of other states.

7. Can two or more signers get their signatures notarized in a single meeting?

   Yes. Signers have the flexibility to complete a transaction together on a shared device, simultaneously on multiple devices, or in separate notary meetings. Each signer must complete the identification process separately and signers who miss the initial meeting can still get their signatures notarized in a subsequent notary meeting.

8. Can witnesses be added to transactions on the Notarize platform?

   Yes. Witnesses who are physically with the signer can be added to the transaction by the notary during the notary meeting. They can not be added by the signer or the person creating the transaction.
   
   Note: Remote witnessing is only available on Notarize’s real estate platform for closings of Florida property with witnesses who are personally known to the notary.

9. Can Notarize accept two forms of identification if the document requires it?

   Yes.

10. How are signers identified on the Notarize platform?

    Signers on the Notarize platform can be identified in one of the following ways -

    • Multi-step Identity Verification: The signer’s identity is confirmed through successful completion of a set of questions generated from their personal information (Knowledge-Based Authentication or KBA) and an automated analysis of their government issued ID (credential analysis).
    • Personal Knowledge: The signer is personally known to the notary.
    • Credible Witness: The signer’s identity is indirectly verified by the oath of another person who has already been identified through multi-step identity verification.
11. How does Notarize ensure the security and privacy of personal information on notarized documents?

    Notarize employs various measures to ensure the security and privacy of personal information including the encryption and protection of all data in transit and at rest using AES-256 bit encryption and tracking of all application access. The Notarize platform has also been subjected to various comprehensive information security audits and penetration testing. For more information on Notarize’s privacy practices, see Notarize’s Privacy Policy.