What types of notarization does online notary offer?

Online notaries are authorized to perform a variety of notarial acts electronically, leveraging secure digital platforms to complete the notarization process. The types of notarizations offered by online notaries generally align with those provided in traditional, in-person settings. Here are the common types of notarizations that can be performed online:

1. Acknowledgments:

An acknowledgment is a notarial act in which the signer confirms that they have willingly signed a document for its stated purpose. The notary verifies the signer’s identity and ensures that the signer understands the document and is signing it voluntarily. Online notarization platforms facilitate this process through video conferencing, allowing the notary to confirm the signer’s identity and witness the acknowledgment electronically.

2. Jurats:

A jurat, also known as a verification on oath or affirmation, requires the signer to swear or affirm that the contents of a document are true. The notary administers an oath or affirmation to the signer, who then signs the document in the presence of the notary. The notary also completes a notarial certificate stating that the oath or affirmation was administered. Online notarization platforms enable this process by allowing the notary to administer the oath or affirmation and witness the signing via a secure video call.

3. Oaths and Affirmations:

Notaries can administer oaths and affirmations to individuals who need to make sworn statements. An oath involves a pledge to a higher power, while an affirmation is a solemn promise made without reference to a deity. Both are used to affirm the truthfulness of statements made in documents or verbal testimony. Online notaries can administer these oaths and affirmations through video conferencing, ensuring the process is legally binding and properly documented.

4. Certified Copies:

Notaries can certify that a copy of an original document is a true and accurate representation of the original. The notary compares the original document with the copy to verify its accuracy. Online notarization platforms allow notaries to certify copies electronically by reviewing scanned versions of the original and copied documents. This service is particularly useful for documents such as transcripts, diplomas, and legal records.

5. Signature Witnessing:

Signature witnessing is a notarial act in which the notary witnesses the signing of a document and verifies the identity of the signer. This is similar to an acknowledgment but does not require the signer to declare the purpose of the document. Online notaries can witness signatures via secure video conferencing, ensuring the signer’s identity is verified and the signature is witnessed in real time.

6. Copy Certification by Document Custodian:

In some cases, the document custodian (the person in possession of the original document) can certify a copy of the document. The notary then notarizes the custodian’s certification. This type of notar