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With the rapid rise of digitalization, it’s no wonder that many businesses are shifting heavily toward offering their services remotely, and legal processes are no exception. Remote online notarization (RON) offers title companies a quick, reliable, and efficient way to submit documents for authentication, verification, and recording.
The traditional method of notarization for mortgage and property title documents used to be a long, tedious, and difficult process for title companies and buyers. There are so many pitfalls that can hinder or even halt the process entirely, from an incorrectly placed signature to hectic schedules making it difficult for all the concerned parties to meet. Thankfully, using RON makes document notarization easy, effortless, and accurate!
How Does it Work?
Companies that offer RON have made the process as hassle-free as possible for title companies and homebuyers. Instead of having to have all the signers and a notary present at closing time, all you need is a stable Internet connection and a clear webcam.
Typically, RON is broken down into easy-to-follow steps. After engaging the services of an online notarization company, you will need to upload all the documents into their platform. The company will then ensure the security of the transaction by validating identities, usually through a video call.
Next, you will meet with the company’s notary who will review your documents, as well as clarify any additional information for the transaction. Finally, signers will affix their electronic signatures to the documents, after which the notary will add a seal of approval.
It’s that easy! You’ll be able to download the notarized documents for everyone’s records, and the notary company will also keep a copy of the document for certification purposes.
Requirements for Notarizing Title Documents
Just like the traditional notarization process, signers will need to submit government IDs to verify and authenticate their identity. Once you submit the documents, your online notary will often send links that contain knowledge-based authentication (KBA) questions. These questions cover personal information that only the person should know such as past addresses and dates of particular events.
Government-issued IDs must be valid and contain your picture. Possible options include:
- State-issued driver’s license
- Social security card
- United States passport
Validating a signer’s identity can also include a request for them to take a selfie while holding their ID. After submitting the requirements, the notary may perform both a biometric search match as well as a credential analysis to ensure a signer’s identity.
Benefits of RON
- Convenient
The main benefit of using RON is convenience. Whenever you need documents signed and notarized, signers won’t need to take time out of their busy schedule to travel to your physical office. You can send your documents anywhere, anytime. This is highly beneficial for people who may have difficulty coming to your office.
- Cheaper
Travel costs can add up quickly – especially if signers have to travel a considerable distance to an office or a notary has to travel to them. When you use RON, neither signers nor notaries have to worry about travel costs. What’s more, you’ll be able to get your notarized documents promptly, so your business procedures won’t be hindered.
- Efficient
If your business is time-sensitive or deals with large amounts of sensitive information, time can literally be money. RON makes document notarization more efficient since the process can be completed in a matter of minutes.
- Secure
Online conferencing technology is highly secure, so identity verification is a breeze as long as you provide the proper documents such as government-certified identification. What’s more, you’ll be able to send your documents to the notary in real-time, eliminating the potential for the documents to get lost or tampered. Businesses that handle sensitive information, such as law firms, real estate companies, and insurance companies are assured that their clients’ personal data will be safe.
- Accessible
For people with mobility issues, busy schedules, or poor transport services in their area, RON offers both ease and inclusivity. Even if traditional notary services aren’t available nearby, they can avail of fast and reliable notary services as long as they have an Internet connection.
Using RON services also means you’ll be able to shop around for the company that best suits your needs and budget. More often than not, documents that require notarization contain sensitive personal and financial information, and you want to work with someone you can trust. Reliable RON companies have well-established online presences and you can find reviews and testimonials to get a better feel for a particular company’s reputation.
Remote online notarization offers a wide range of benefits in terms of ease, convenience, security, and accessibility. Business owners and companies can greatly streamline their legal documentation process when they avail of RON, and in turn, they can offer better services for their customers.
Guest article written by: 
William Powell is a writer and educator who likes to cover marketing and other business industries such fintech, remote notary services, etc. He enjoys learning about the latest business trends and analyzing how global events impact domestic and international economies.