How to Use Witnesses with Online Notarization: A Guide for Your Business

In today’s digital age, online notarization has become increasingly common, and for good reason. Remote online notarization (RON) offers a safe, secure, and convenient way to notarize documents anywhere, anytime. However, not all documents are eligible for online notarization, and some states require witnesses to be present during the notarization process. Today, we will walk you through using witnesses with an online notarization service, regardless of your state’s specific requirements.

First and foremost, it is important to understand that not all online notarization services provide the option to include witnesses. Before choosing an online notarization provider, ensure that they offer this option. Once you have selected a provider, the process is relatively straightforward.

Step one is to select the document you need to notarize and upload it to your chosen online notarization service. Before proceeding with the notarization, you will need to identify yourself via a Web camera and microphone. Once your identity has been verified, you will be connected with a licensed notary public who will guide you through the process.

Next, determine whether your document requires witnesses. Some states, such as New York, require witnesses for certain types of documents. If witnesses are required, you will need to find two individuals to join the video conference. These witnesses can be anyone over 18 who is not named in the document and does not have a financial interest in the transaction.

During the video conference, the notary will swear the witnesses in, and they will need to provide their full name, address, and email for future contact. Once the witnesses have confirmed their identity, the notary will ask them to observe the document’s signing. The witnesses must see the signer sign the document unless state law expressly provides otherwise and then sign the document as well.

Finally, the notary will complete the notarial certificate, and the document will be notarized and sent to all parties involved.

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