Notarization is a process that authorizes a document to verify its authenticity. Most legal documents that deal with serious matters or represent substantial money transactions require notarization. If you are in the market to get your documents notarized, you may have encountered terms like mobile notary, traditional notary public, and electronic notary.
These terms refer to the same service, but the difference boils down to the actual notarization process. Knowing what each service entails will help you make an informed decision before notarizing your documents. The following is a detailed description of each type of notarization and the differences.
Electronic notarization
Electronic notarization or E-notary involves notarizing a document using a secure electronic system while all the parties are in one room. Unlike other traditional or mobile notarization, which requires a regular ink signature, electronic notarization uses an electronic tamper-evident seal, which is legally binding. Therefore, it is easier to recognize any unauthorized attempts to change the original document.
Therefore, the process is much safer and maybe a good option if security is a top priority. Electronic notarization is also quick and more efficient than traditional notarization. Although this type of notarization is more secure, its limitations are similar to traditional and mobile notarization.
Remote online notarization
Remote online notarization takes place online without the presence of the participants involved. The process involves digital communication means, including mobile devices and computers. Online notaries have become more popular recently due to travel restrictions related to COVID-19.
It may seem daunting, especially if you are doing it for the first time, but you will be amazed at how convenient and easy it is. If you need to notarize your document but you are in a foreign country or live far away from a traditional public notary, Remote online notarization may be a good choice for you.
Traditional notarization
Traditional or public notarization is the most common type of notarization whose notaries’ are usually appointed by the state government. They help deter fraud by serving as partial witnesses to signing critical documents. You can find this service in shipping stores, banks, and legal offices.
Notary publics usually have set working hours, meaning you will need to work around their schedule. As such, you may want to plan or make travel arrangements if you live far from a notary public.
Mobile notarization
A traditional notary travels to you for mobile notarization to perform the notarization process. A mobile notary is sometimes called a traveling notary public since they move from one place to the other. Mobile notarization saves you the hustle of finding a notary since a mobile notary comes to you.
You, therefore, have to schedule or set a particular time aside for the process to take place. Although mobile notarization is convenient since it saves you the search process, this service is not restricted to a set fee. You may need to incur extra charges such as travel and travel-related expenses. Therefore, you will enjoy the convenience, but you should be ready to pay for it.
Choosing the right notarization for you
All notarization processes have the same goal; to deter and detect document fraud. Although the goal is similar, several differences result from the process. For example, electronic notarization uses digital means to verify a document’s authenticity, while mobile notarization involves paperwork and the signature uses regular ink.
It is, therefore, easier to alter tangible documents than those that are within an electronic system. For this reason, electronic notarization may be a good choice if security is your top priority. The processing of the documents is also faster for electronic notarization, and the process eliminates the possibility of human error. Electronic notarization is also the best choice if you need the documents notarized within the shortest time possible.
The type of notarization that is right for you will also depend on how much you are willing to pay for the service. If you are looking into saving some coins, traditional notarization may not be a viable option for you. You may want to consider other notarization processes, including mobile and electronic notarization.
If you are in an area that limits your access to a notary or, for some reason, you can’t avail yourself physically; you may want to consider online notarization. The process takes place online, and unlike other types of notarization, participants don’t need to be present. However, it may be challenging for individuals unfamiliar with digital operations.
If you want to escape the process of finding a notary, you can opt for mobile notarization. It is convenient since a notary travels to your location. For example, physically challenged persons who wish to avoid regular movements may opt for mobile notarization.
Now that you understand the different types of notarization, you are in a better position to select one that suits you. Establishing your priorities, including security and convenience, may also help your decision-making.