The thing about looking for a mobile notary near me is that it is just no longer the most efficient way to go about this process anymore.
Where mobile notaries you are still going to need to call and schedule a time as well as account for paying a travel or service fee, online notaries these days are on demand and are going to be cheaper in just about 10 out of 10 situations. You’ll be hard pressed to find a mobile notary willing to spend the time and gas money driving to meet you for less than $30, and if you do, you’re still coordinating with a stranger to let them into your home or place of work.
Essentially, looking for a mobile notary near me is fast becoming a thing of the past.
What Is an Online Notary and How Does It Work?
So what exactly is an online notary? An online notary, also known as an eNotary or remote notary, allows you to get documents notarized over the internet using live audio-video technology instead of in-person.
How does it work? It’s actually pretty simple.
- Connect with a notary online. You can find and schedule an appointment with a mobile or online notary on websites like BlueNotary.
- Gather your documents. Make sure you have government-issued photo ID as well as the documents that need to be signed and notarized. These could include real estate paperwork, affidavits, deeds, powers of attorney, etc.
- Meet via video conference. At your scheduled time (or immediately), log in to the video software that the notary service uses. A proper online notarization platform will have built their own video solution. The notary will verify your identity by checking your photo ID.
- Sign and notarize your documents. You will sign the documents in front of your webcam or phone cam. The notary will notarize them and apply their digital seal and signature.
- Get your documents. The notarized documents are electronically returned to you and immediately downloadable upon completion. You’ll also be sent a link to your email.
Online Notarization Convenience
Online notarization is convenient and COVID-friendly. It allows for safe social distancing while still providing legally binding notarization services. Many states have passed laws allowing for their notaries to perform online notarization. If you are in a state that hasn’t it is likely still legal due to cross state notarization. However, it is always a good idea to check with your receiving party as to their preference.
An online notary can be a fast, easy and secure alternative to finding a mobile notary near you. With the right service and some technological know-how, you’ll have your documents notarized from home in no time!
BlueNotary: Get Documents Notarized Online
If driving to a notary’s office isn’t convenient, don’t worry—there are online options like BlueNotary that allow you to get documents notarized remotely.
BlueNotary connects you with licensed notaries public over live video chat. The process is simple. First, you upload scans or photos of your documents. Then you hop on a video call with a notary on their web app. You can even do it from your phone.
During the call, the your government ID will be checked against government databases. The notary will also review your documents carefully to ensure everything is in order before notarizing them digitally with an e-notary seal and signature.
BlueNotary Competitive Rates vs. Mobile Notary Near Me
BlueNotary offers competitive rates for common notarizations like acknowledgments, jurats, and certified copies. Most services cost just $25. They operate 24/7, so you can schedule a call outside of typical business hours if needed. The same notarization can cost upwards of $40 if done with a mobile notary.
The best part is you don’t have to leave home or your office. As long as you have a stable Internet connection, you can get documents notarized wherever is most convenient for you. BlueNotary also provides live technical and notarial support in case you run into any issues during your video call.
For those with mobility challenges or without reliable transportation, or for those who don’t want to sit around waiting for a “mobile notary near me”, e-notarization services like BlueNotary provide an invaluable alternative to traditional notaries. And in today’s digital world, their convenient and secure platform is a welcome option for just about anyone needing notary services.
So next time you need documents notarized, don’t forget there are online options in addition to local notaries. With BlueNotary, a notary public is just a few clicks away.
FAQs: Online Notary Services
Online notary services offer a convenient alternative to finding a mobile notary near you. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about using an online notary.
Do I have to be physically present for an online notary?
No, the whole point of online notarization is that you can complete documents remotely without having to meet in person. You will connect with the notary via live audio-video chat similar to using a service like Skype, Zoom, Google Meet or FaceTime. As long as you have a stable internet connection, you can be located anywhere.
How does online notarization work?
Online notarization allows you to notarize documents electronically using an electronic signature and seal. Here are the basic steps:
- Find an online notary service. You will need to provide just a little bit of personal information to verify your identity.
- Upload the document you need notarized and have the notary complete the document for you using an interactive form on their website.
- You can also schedule a live audio-video call with the notary at your convenience.
- They will ask you to verbally acknowledge that you are signing willingly and that the information in the document is true.
- Electronically sign the document on camera using a stylus or your mouse or trackpad. The notary will notarize the document using an electronic notary seal and signature.
- Your document will be immediately available for download with a digital certificate encrypted inside.
Are online notarizations legally binding?
Yes, online notarizations or remote online notarizations (RONs) carry the same legal weight as traditional in-person notarizations in the vast majority of cases. However, some states still only allow in-person notarizations for specific documents or have additional requirements for RONs. Check with your state and receiving party to confirm that online notarization is permitted and meets legal standards before using an online notary service. Reputable companies will only operate in states where their RONs are legally valid and binding.
