What is the alternative to a notary?

Asked by: Sherman Swaniawski  |  Last update: December 28, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (19 votes)

Remote Online Notarization (RON) is a convenient digital alternative to traditional notarization. Unlike the traditional method where you need to be physically present with the notary, RON lets you get your documents notarized online through a secure online video session.

What is similar to a notary?

Notaries and loan signing agents (LSAs) provide essential services for legal transactions. A loan signing agent notarizes and certifies financial and legal documentation related to loan documents. A notary is a public officer who is certified to witness and confirm the signing of documents.

Can a document be legal without a notary?

Many types of written contracts don't require a notary public to be valid. However, if a person's signature has been notarized, generally, courts waive the legal obligation or duty to prove contract authentication. This can save you a lot of time and money.

How much does UPS store charge to notarize?

For example, here in California, our UPS store charges $15 per notary signature.

Can DocuSign replace a notary?

The trusted way to remotely and electronically notarize agreements. Docusign Notary is the best fit for organizations that need to notarize many documents per year and can supply their own notary.

What If I Can't Afford a Notary Website? Notaries have a few AWESOME free website alternatives

18 related questions found

Does FedEx have a notary?

Can I have a document notarized at a FedEx Office location? Documents can only be notarized online on your own device with audio and visual capabilities; however, a FedEx Office location can help you before and after your online notary session.

Do banks offer notary services?

Most banks have notaries that provide the service for free for their customers and for a fee for non-customers. A document is notarized when a third party, known as a notary public, verifies your identity and witnesses you signing the document.

Where is the cheapest place to get a notary?

Banks, universities, and hospitals often provide free notarization services for their clients or those in need. Q2. How can I get documents notarized at a low cost? Consider low-cost options like the post office, law firms, or online notary services like BlueNotary for affordable rates.

Is UPS also a notary?

The UPS Store locations offer notary services to help make life easier.

Can anyone notarize my document?

Who can notarize a document? The only person who can notarize a document is a notary public. This role is an official position within the state government and notaries public are either appointed, commissioned, or otherwise designated by a high ranking government official such as the governor or secretary of state.

Does a signed paper hold up in court?

The Power of a Legally Binding Document

Any written or verbal agreement between two or more parties can be legally enforced in court.

Is a text message legally binding?

This ruling states that as long as text messages satisfy the necessary conditions required of a bilateral contract in offer, consideration, capacity, and acceptance, they can be considered legally enforceable.

What is higher than a notary?

The level of authority provided by a Medallion Signature Guarantee is typically higher than that provided by a Notary because Medallion Signature Guarantees are backed by the financial institution providing the guarantee, which assumes liability for any fraud or unauthorized transactions.

What's the difference between a notary and a signing agent?

Although they start on similar paths, they're not the same thing: Notaries are there to verify identities and witness signatures while signing agents are certified to walk borrowers through specific loan-signing documents.

What is online notary called?

RON is the process of notarizing a document remotely through the use of electronic signature, identity verification, audio-visual communication and electronic notarial journal and record keeping technologies.

How much do most notaries charge?

Notarization fees are regulated by California state law and are generally low-cost. So how much does a notary charge? In most cases, a California notary public may charge a maximum notary fee of $15 for each signature. This includes writing the certificate, affixing the notary stamp, and acknowledging the signature.

Do libraries have notaries?

Yes, many libraries offer notary services either free of charge or at a nominal fee. This affordability enhances access to legal document assistance, especially for those on a budget.

Does CVS have notary?

CVS notary services provide a reliable solution for those needing official documents notarized without the need to search far and wide. With numerous locations across the country, CVS makes it simple to find a notary near you, helping you save time and effort.

How much does Bank of America charge for notary?

Bank of America does not charge a fee for notary services. Should I sign or date the document being notarized before I visit a Notary? No. We recommend you don't sign or date any documents before seeing the Notary, since some documents must be logged in the presence of a Notary.

How much does Chase charge for notary?

Chase Bank offers free notary services to account holders, unlike some banks, such as Wells Fargo or Bank of America, which may charge fees to non-customers.

Does Wells Fargo notarize for free?

Yes, Wells Fargo typically offers free notary services to their personal account holders. However, availability can vary based on branch location and staff schedules. Non-customers might incur fees, which can differ depending on the document type and specific location.

Does Office Depot have a notary?

Office supply stores like Staples or Office Depot typically have notary publics available. These stores offer convenient locations with extended hours, making them ideal for individuals needing evening or weekend services. A small fee usually applies for each notarized document.

Does Walgreens have a notary?

Walgreens offers notary services at select stores at select times while online notarization through Notarize can be a convenient and accessible alternative.