Is a remote notary as good as an in-person notary?
Asked by: Dr. Fletcher Schmitt | Last update: May 31, 2026Score: 4.3/5 (3 votes)
Yes, a remote notary (RON) can be just as good as, and often more secure and convenient than, an in-person notary because it uses advanced digital security like video, ID verification software, and recorded audit trails, though some people prefer the personal touch of face-to-face interaction for sensitive documents. Both methods are legally valid, but RON offers 24/7 access, no travel, and robust fraud prevention through multi-layered digital checks.
Is an online notary different than in person?
With an electronic notarization, you perform your services in person, as you would for a traditional notarization, but the documents are notarized in an electronic format, with both the notary and the document signer using electronic signatures to sign the documents.
Which type of notary makes the most money?
The Notary Loan Signing Agent (NSA) makes the most money, handling complex mortgage documents for $75-$200+ per appointment, significantly more than general notaries, with high demand in real estate; other lucrative paths include specialized services like Apostille agents, Remote Online Notaries (RONs), and mobile notaries who travel for higher fees.
What are the risks of using a remote notary?
Remote notarization platforms handle highly sensitive personal data (driver's license images, legal documents). The risk is using an unsecure or non-compliant platform that is vulnerable to data breaches.
What is the most common mistake made by a notary?
The most common and serious mistake a notary makes is failing to require the signer to appear personally, which violates law and leads to fraud claims; other frequent errors include incomplete or incorrect certificates (wrong dates, missing venue, illegible seals, incorrect wording, or misaligned signatures/names) and failing to properly verify signer identity. These errors can invalidate documents and lead to legal penalties, making adherence to strict procedures crucial.
Remote Online Notarization vs. Mobile Notary vs. Electronic Notarization 📑
What is one thing you should never do when it comes to documents as a notary?
Never notarize without the signer's personal appearance.
You also have no way to prove the person's identity. In many documented cases, scammers who convinced Notaries to ignore personal appearance requirements faked the notarized signatures themselves to commit elder abuse, real estate fraud, or other crimes.
How to determine if a notary is legit?
To check if a notary is valid, verify their commission on your state's Secretary of State website using their name or commission number, check the notary's stamp for a clear impression, name, commission number, and expiration date, and ensure the notarization date falls within their active commission period, looking for red flags like smudged seals or missing required information.
How much can a notary charge for remote notarization?
Remote online notary costs typically range from $15 to $40 per document, with many services charging around $25 per notarization, which usually covers one signer and one seal, while additional signers or seals often add $5-$25 per extra item, depending on the platform and state regulations. Some platforms offer tiered pricing or business accounts, but the per-notarization fee remains the core cost.
Can I trust an online notary?
Technology alone isn't enough—signers need confidence that their notary and their platform uphold ethical and legal responsibilities. Trust in RON comes from: Regulatory Compliance: Each state has rules that govern how RON must be performed. Platforms must be approved and notaries must be commissioned.
What is the difference between an e-notary and a remote notary?
In-person electronic notarization: The principal is in the Notary's physical presence, and signatures are electronic. The Notary may use an electronic seal. Remote ink-signed notarization: The principal appears before the Notary remotely using video conference technology like Skype or Zoom.
How much does a mobile notary make per visit?
A mobile notary's earnings per visit vary significantly, with general notarizations offering lower fees (often based on state-set per-signature/act fees plus travel) but specialized roles like Loan Signing Agents earning $75 to $200 or more per appointment, especially for mortgage closings, by saving time and handling complex documents, notes National Notary Association. Higher fees come from working directly with title companies or attorneys, while agents using signing services might earn less due to commission splits, Loan Signing System.
What are the downsides of being a notary?
Disadvantages of being a notary include inconsistent income, high liability for errors, significant startup and maintenance costs (fees, bond, E&O insurance), the challenge of building a client base, strict legal restrictions (no UPL), dealing with difficult clients or requests, and potential for emotionally taxing situations, all while facing intense competition for low-paying gigs.
How to make 6 figures as a notary?
To be a six figure-earning money as a notary loan signing agent, you need to do 667 signings a year — or 13 signings a week — and you only need 3 escrow officers feeding you their loan signing appointments to be well on your way to making six figures a year, working less than 40 hours a week.
What are the two types of notaries?
In America, the two notarial acts most often performed for a document signer are the acknowledgment; and the jurat (also called a "verification" on oath or affirmation).
Can I notarize someone else's signature?
Notaries public in most states are not prohibited from notarizing the signatures of the not so “immediate” family members such as aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins on documents. However, the better practice is to get a disinterested third party to notarize your documents.
What are the risks of using a virtual notary?
Risks of virtual notarization (Remote Online Notarization or RON) include identity fraud (impersonation), data breaches of sensitive info, tech failures, potential invalidity if not state-compliant, inability to spot subtle duress, and challenges to documents later in court, though RON platforms use strong verification (KBA, credential analysis) to mitigate fraud, notes this article from the National Notary Association.
Does everyone accept online notary?
Yes, online notary is legal in most U.S. states. As of 2024, 47 states and the District of Columbia have enacted laws allowing for some form of remote online notarization. However, the specific requirements and regulations can vary by state.
How does a remote notary work?
The signer's document is sent to the Notary so it can be signed and notarized. Typically, the document is uploaded in an electronic format such as PDF to the online technology platform used to perform the notarization. The signer's identity is screened according to the requirements of the Notary's commissioning state.
Is remote notary a good side hustle?
Yes, remote notary can be a good side hustle due to its flexibility, low startup costs, and potential for good income, allowing you to work from home on your own schedule; however, success requires effort in marketing, building a client base (often as a mobile notary too), and understanding state-specific regulations, with income varying significantly based on your dedication and location.
What's the difference between a notary and a mobile notary?
A mobile notary is a regular notary public who travels to the client's location (home, office, hospital, etc.) for convenience, offering flexible hours (evenings/weekends) and charging travel fees, while a traditional notary works from a fixed office (like a bank or courthouse) during standard business hours, requiring the client to visit them and typically charging only state-set fees. The core service (witnessing signatures, administering oaths) is the same, but the mobile notary provides added convenience at a higher overall cost.
What is the best online notary service?
The best online notary depends on your needs, with Proof (formerly Notarize), NotaryLive, and OneNotary frequently cited as top choices, offering features like 24/7 availability, user-friendly interfaces, strong identity verification, and support for various transaction volumes; Proof leads in industry adoption, NotaryLive shines for frequent users with great ratings, and OneNotary offers fast, affordable per-document options, while platforms like DocuSign and NotaryCam cater to larger enterprise needs.
Can a notary take a picture of my ID?
Is it OK to accept copies of ID when notarizing, whether physical or a photo taken with a phone? No. Notaries should never accept copies of identification documents from a signer as proof of identity.
Are online notaries trustworthy?
Yes, online notaries (Remote Online Notarization or RON) are generally legitimate and legally valid in most U.S. states, providing a secure, convenient, and legally accepted alternative to traditional notarization through live audio-visual sessions, though specific state laws and security features (like ID verification, encryption, and audit trails) vary.
What makes a notary valid?
The notary is responsible for properly identifying the person and administering a verbal oath. If the sworn statement is in the form of a written instrument, the notary will also witness that person's signature and make a written record of the event in a notarial certificate.