What is the difference between remote notary and public notary?
Asked by: Lonie Ryan | Last update: November 1, 2025Score: 4.3/5 (61 votes)
A notary public who is commissioned to perform electronic notarizations is referred to as an eNotary. A Remote Notary is a legally commissioned notary public who is authorized to conduct remote online notarizations over the internet via digital tools and a live audio video call.
What is the difference between a remote notary and a regular notary?
The Notary and document signer meet physically to sign digital documents within a secure software platform using electronic signatures. In contrast, Remote Online Notarization (RON) allows the entire process – identity verification, document signing and notarial act – to be done remotely via audio-video technology.
What are the cons of remote online notarization?
- Here we cover six important reasons for NOT using Remote Online Notarization. ...
- Far Less Secure than In-Person. ...
- Huge Potential for Fraud. ...
- Huge Potential for Identity Theft. ...
- It Costs More. ...
- You Might Need a Do-Over. ...
- Unemployment. ...
- Conclusion.
What is the most common mistake made by a notary?
One of the most common mistakes that notaries make is not printing or signing their name exactly as it appears on their notary commission.
What is the difference between a mobile notary and a regular notary?
Unlike an in-office or online notary, mobile notaries travel to meet clients in-person. Usually, you must make an appointment and wait to meet a mobile notary at a specified time and location. Fees are typically much higher as you must pay for their travel time and expenses.
What's a Remote Notary & Why Should You Care?
Is a notary public the same as a notary?
What is a Notary Public? A notary public is different from a notary. A notary public refers to “one who holds an Office relating to Notarial acts.” In other words, it is more concerned with the person who performs the duties as opposed to those being performed.
How do mobile notary make money?
Mobile Notaries travel to signers' locations to notarize documents. They earn money by charging a fee for the notarization up to the limit allowed by their state's law. Some states also permit Notaries to charge a travel fee.
What are the downsides of being a notary?
- Steady income can be difficult.
- You could be sued for a lot of money.
- Upstart and upkeep costs can add up.
Can you notarize a signature without the person present?
To notarize a document, the signers must be present at the time of notarization. While you can notarize an acknowledgment document that has been previously signed in some cases, the signer must still be present at the time of notarization to confirm the validity of their signature.
What makes a notary invalid?
Missing or Incorrect Notary Seal
States like California and Texas have specific requirements for the placement and design of the seal. Without a proper seal, legal and financial institutions may reject the document.
Do remote online notaries make money?
Remote online notaries typically earn between $25 and $75 per notarization, depending on clients and document types. States with higher demand, like California and New York, offer more earning potential for these professionals.
Can you use Docusign with a remote Notary?
With Docusign Notary, you can: Provide a convenient and efficient experience for your signers, as they can now remotely sign and notarize agreements without the need to meet a notary public in person.
Who is a remote online Notary?
A remote online Notary is a traditional Notary Public who has met the application requirements to perform remote notarizations. Like Notaries who notarize paper documents in person, remote online Notaries are held to the same standard of impartiality when it comes to witnessing the signings of digital documents.
Can you work remotely as a notary?
But there's a difference between electronic and remote notary services. For example, California allows electronic notary services and electronic signatures, but hasn't legalized remote notarization yet.
Can a notary witness a signature by video?
Please note that RON procedures may vary depending on state laws, and not all states permit Notaries to perform remote online notarizations. For example, California does not permit its Notaries to perform RONs, and South Carolina does not address RON in its Notary laws.
What's the difference between a notary signing agent and a notary public?
In addition to notarization, an LSA is tasked with ensuring the documents are executed correctly and filed on time to secure the loan. On the other hand, a notary is only certified to witness a document signing and confirm the signers' identities, applying their own seal to ensure its legality.
Does a notary have to read the document they are notarizing?
No, it is not illegal; however, the Notary should not read the documents they notarize because it is unnecessary and could possibly be a violation of the signer's privacy. You may scan over the document to obtain the information you need for your journal entry of the notarization. Confronted with a tricky notarization?
How much does the UPS store charge for notary?
For example, here in California, our UPS store charges $15 per notary signature. Where as other states are lower, sometimes even under $10. However if the notary has to come you or travel for any reason to do the job, the notary can charge whatever traveling fee they would like to on top of the charge per signature.
Do banks have notaries?
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.
What type of notary makes the most money?
#1: Loan Signing Agent
One of the most lucrative ways to make money as a notary public is by becoming a loan signing agent. Signing agents are responsible for guiding borrowers through the process of closing a mortgage loan, ensuring that all paperwork is properly signed and notarized.
How often do notaries make mistakes?
Notary mistakes and errors increase the number of rejected documents. Most rejected documents contain minor or major notarization mistakes. On average, 30% of notarized documents contain mistakes. But depending on your county and state, this rejection rate can vary.
How does a notary get paid?
The two most common ways notaries make money are: Part of an established salary (working for a bank, local post office or another business) As an independent, freelance notary.
Is notary a good side hustle?
A Notary commission can open the door to more than a dozen additional money-making opportunities. Being a Notary shows that you have integrity and it establishes a level of trust that gives you a leg up on your competition — even if you're not directly using your commission for every freelance job that comes your way.
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.
How to find clients as a mobile notary?
- Advertise through word of mouth. Many Notaries agreed that getting the word out in your community is one of the best ways to find new customers. ...
- Referrals from current customers. ...
- Offer discounts to signers. ...
- Always answer phone requests for Notary services.