In today’s digital-first and fast world, everything is done online, such as banking or buying homes. Notarization which was previously confined to face-to-face interactions and piles of paper has also changed. Through the process of online notarization, you may now have your important documents notarized at the comfort of your home. However, one question that is raising among many individuals in New York is Can an Online Notary Use Zoom?
We will have a breakdown of what the law entails, how online notarization works, and the best way to notarize your documents remotely in New York.
What Is Online Notary?
An online notary (also called a remote online notarization, RON) is a notary public licensed to notarize documents remotely with the use of secured, approved online technology. Rather than having a face-to-face meeting, the signer and the notary communicate through live video conferencing, verify each other with the help of digital tools, and sign and seal the document electronically.
The State of New York authorized Remote Online Notarization (RON) in 2022, which allows its residents and businesses to have documents notarized online (assuming the notary utilizes approved services, and meets strict state security standards).
Can an Online Notary Use Zoom?
The answer to this is no because an online notary in New York cannot use zoom to conduct official notarization sessions.
Even though Zoom, Google Meet, and other general video conferencing platforms are excellent to use during a meeting and interviews, they fail to comply with the legal and security standards that the state of New York requires for remote notarization.
A video chat is not enough in remote notarization. The law states that online notaries should utilize the state authorized RON platform with built-in features such as:
- Identity verification and credential analysis: The system is supposed to identify the identity of the signer by checking government issued IDs biometrically and through other sophisticated tools.
- Audio-visual recording: The whole notarization process should be audio-visually recorded and permanently stored at least within ten years.
- Tamper-evidence technology: The digital notarial seal and signature should not be tampered with.
- Safe document storage: The platform should offer encryption and secure storage to avoid intrusion by unauthorized personnel.
Unfortunately, zoom along with similar applications lack such features, that is, they are not legally applicable for remote notarization in New York or other major states.
What Platforms are Available for Online Notary in New York?
The RON providers utilized by the notaries in New York are to be approved by the Department of State. The following are some of the most popular platforms:
- DocuSign Notary
- Notarize
- Nexsys
- BlueNotary
- OneNotary
- Pavaso
Such platforms fulfill state standards in relation to security, verifying identity, and keeping records online. Both enable the signers and notaries to interrelate in an encrypted live video meeting, which makes the process safe, legal, and entirely compliant.
Benefits of Online Notarization over Traditional Notarization.
If you have ever driven across town to get one document notarized or stood in line to have that one document notarized, you will greatly appreciate online notarization. Major advantages include:
- Convenience and accessibility.
You can get in touch with an NY notary at any time and place even when you are on the road or working remotely. If you have a steady internet connection and valid ID, then you are good to go.
- 24/7 Availability
With online notary services , business hours are not applicable as compared to traditional systems. Hence, online notary is best in urgency or after hours needs.
- Faster Turnaround
Remote meetings require only a couple of minutes and online versions can be downloaded or shared instantly.
- Enhanced Security
Approved RON platforms give encrypted connections, identity verification, and audit trail detail, far more secure than a paper-based process.
- Eco-Friendly and Paperless
Everything occurs online, which means that you conserve paper, save on travel, and leave less impact on the environment.
Items Required for an Online Notarization Session.
Are you willing to employ an online notary in NY, the following are some of the requirements:
- A device that has a camera and microphone (computer, tablet, or smartphone).
- An internet connection that is stable.
- A legal government-issued ID (driving license or passport).
- Your paper in an electronic format(PDF).
- The access of a certified online notarization platform.
After being connected, the notary will authenticate your identity, scan through your document, witness your signature and place a secure electronic notarial seal on it. The whole procedure normally takes less than 15 minutes.
Can a Notary Perform Both Online and In-Person Notarization?
Yes! In NY, a licensed notary can carry out both face-to-face and electronic notarization, provided they are registered and approved by the Department of State to carry out RON. Hybrid options have become popular with many notaries, where they offer various choices to clients as to whether they want a face-to-face or an online appointment based on their convenience.
This flexibility is particularly useful for busy people, real estate agents, or individuals handling legal, financial or business documents on a tight deadline.
Zoom is Not Legal for Online Notarization, but there is a Better Option.
It might appear convenient, but in New York, Zoom is not allowed to perform official online notarizations. The state demands that all the remote sessions should be conducted on secure and approved platforms that are specifically aimed for notarial acts.
You can find an online notary, trusted and legally authorized to operate within the state of New York, with certified technology and state regulations in mind and can notarize your document fast and reliably. You will have the same legal soundness as face-to-face notarization and the convenience of modern technology.
Contact Us Today for Online Notarization
Do you need a document notarized today? Avoid driving, the lines and the hassle by getting in touch with our online notary service in New York and get secured notarization within the same day. It does not matter whether you are dealing with real estate documents, affidavits, or business contracts; we are going to assist you to do them entirely online quickly and legally.
Get in touch with us today to book for your remote notarization or find out more on how our online notary in NY simplifies your document process.
