In this era of rapid digitalization, conventional workflows are getting reshaped to fit into a more efficient and cost-effective framework. One such transformation is observed in the realm of Notary Public, opening the door to Online Notary Services. But, as with any innovative product or service, a host of myths and misconceptions have surfaced about Online Notary Services. Let's debunk and demystify ten of them.
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Myth: Online Notary Services are not Legal
This is perhaps the most common myth. Contrary to this belief, online notarizations are legal in many jurisdictions across the globe. In the United States, for instance, the National Notary Association confirms that the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce (ESIGN) Act and the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA) grant electronic notarizations the same legal weight as their traditional paper-based counterparts.
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Myth: Online Notarizations are Less Secure
Another widespread misconception is regarding the security of online notary services. In reality, they often employ advanced technologies such as SSL encryption, identity verification, audit trails, and digital certificates, making them more secure than traditional notarizations.
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Myth: Notary Public cannot Serve International Clients
With the rise of remote online notarization (RON), notaries can serve clients worldwide. RON allows the notary and the signer to co-exist in different geographical locations while the notarization process takes place over secure audio-visual calls.
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Myth: Online Notary Services are more Expensive
Unlike the traditional notary service, which requires physical presence and paper documents, online notary services save operating costs, making them cost-effective. The fees charged by online notaries are regulated by the respective jurisdiction's law, and often competitive with traditional services.
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Myth: The Process is Complex
The online notarization process is straightforward. The signer uploads the document, verifies their identity, interacts with the notary via video call, signs the document digitally, and the notary then applies their digital seal.
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Myth: Online Notary Services cannot be used for all Documents
While there are certain limitations, most common documents like contracts, deeds, affidavits, consents, powers of attorney, etc., can be notarized online. However, it's advised to check with the respective jurisdiction's law for clarity.
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Myth: Online Notaries are not Insured
This is not true. Online notaries are required by law to hold E&O insurance, which protects both the notary and the signer in case of any errors or omissions.
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Myth: Signatures don't need to be witnessed in Online Notarization
In-person signing is substituted by remote signing in online notarization. Signers are required to sign the document in real-time during a video call with the notary.
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Myth: Online Notarization is not Eco-friendly
On the contrary, online notarization helps save tons of paper each year, making it an eco-friendly alternative to traditional notarization.
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Myth: All Online Notary Platforms are the same
Online notary platforms may differ in terms of user interface, pricing, customer support, and additional services. It's crucial to choose a platform that aligns with your specific needs.
In conclusion, the advent of online notary services has indeed disrupted the traditional notary industry. While there may be challenges in terms of regulatory alignment and technology adoption, the convenience, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness that these services bring are undeniable. As we move forward in this digital age, it is essential to dispel myths and misconceptions about such innovations, encouraging a broader understanding and acceptance of them.