General Questions
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Absolutely!
You’ll need a test document to upload to get started, which can be found for download by clicking here.
Then, choose the “take it for a test drive” option at the bottom of our service list and follow the instructions, which can all be found here.
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We’ve completed over 50,000 online notarizations in the last 4 years, primarily servicing clients such as title agencies, law firms and contracting companies alike.
Many of our clients initially felt the same but found Online Notarization to be even more reliable, with recorded video sessions and digital record keeping.
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All online Notary sessions are audio & video recorded, then made accessible for several years proving the authenticity of the document further than what would be possible with paper based notarization.
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Our platform requires no additional software downloads, technical setup or technical expertise.
We’ve had clients from all generations and ages 18-85 enjoy the ease & speed of our process from the comfort of their mobile phones or laptop to safely and securely notarize their documents.
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Absolutely and since 2017, Texas law (per Texas Government Code, Title 4, Subtitle A, Chapter 406, Subchapter C) has allowed remote online notarizations, making it possible for Texas Notaries (where our Notaries are commissioned) to authenticate signer identities and notarize their documents entirely online.
Additionally, thanks to the Full Faith and Credit Clause of the U.S. Constitution, each state must recognize notarizations from any other state, so a Texas-notarized document is valid across the country.
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Cybersecurity is more crucial than ever, which is why our service is MISMO Compliant which is among the highest standards for compliance to complete online notarizations for transactions like buying or selling a home.
Our existing clients value this security feature and use our service to facilitate their real estate closings every day.
Technical Questions
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Most Smartphone Made After 2012 Will Meet the Below Requirements.
Using Mobile Devices with Web Browsers
Device Requirements:
Smartphones or tablets with a built-in camera that supports autofocus and the h264 codec are compatible.Compatible Browsers (Minimum Versions):
Google Chrome: Version 89+
Apple Safari: Version 15.2+
Mozilla Firefox: Version 87+
Microsoft Edge: Version 89+
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Computer or Laptop Device Requirements
Supported Browsers
We support the latest 10 major versions of Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, and the latest 2 major versions of Safari, including their current versions. For example, if the latest version of Chrome, Firefox, and Edge is 119, and Safari’s latest is 17, we support the following:Chrome: Version 110 or later
Safari: Version 16 or later
Firefox: Version 110 or later
Microsoft Edge: Version 110 or later
Operating System Compatibility
Windows: Windows 10 or later is preferred for optimal performance
macOS: Leopard or newer is recommended for compatibility with supported browsers
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Internet Connection Requirements
A broadband connection through an internet service provider is necessary to support a smooth, real-time audio and video experience. While a wired connection is ideal for stability, a Wi-Fi connection is also compatible.
Recommended Speeds for Best Performance:
Ping: Under 30 ms
Upload Speed: At least 5 Mbps
Download Speed: At least 20 Mbps
You can test your connection to ensure you meet the requirements here.
Getting Your Identity Verified
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Primary ID Requirements
All primary IDs must feature a clear, photographic image of your face. Blurry or unclear ID photos are not acceptable, and you may be asked to retake the photo if the ID is unclear.
Accepted Primary ID Types
Driver’s License
Passport
State ID Card
Passport Card
Work Permit
Permanent Resident Card
Secondary ID Requirements
A secondary ID may be required, depending on the type of document or the requirements of the requesting organization. It is your responsibility to confirm if a secondary ID is necessary and provide one if required.
When Secondary IDs Are Required:
Specific Document Requirements: Certain documents always require a secondary ID for notarization.
Requester Requirements: The organization or governing body that requires the document to be signed or notarized may also mandate a secondary ID.
For Name Changes: If you’ve recently changed your name and it differs from the name on your primary ID, you’ll need a secondary ID showing your new name. Your primary ID can reflect a previous name as long as your secondary ID shows the current one.
Accepted Secondary ID Types
Social Security Card
Government-Issued Visa
Birth Certificate
Non-U.S./Canadian Driver's License
Recent Signed Tax Return
Property Tax Bill
Voter Registration Card
Organizational Membership Card
Bank, Investment, or Loan Statement
Pay Stub with Name
Recent W-2
Proof of Insurance (Homeowner’s, Vehicle, or Renter’s Insurance)
Recent Utility Bill
All secondary IDs must clearly display your name.tion text goes here
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Credential Analysis Overview
Credential Analysis is the second step in the multi-step identity verification process, conducted after completing a audio-video check. Once this is done, you’ll verify your identity through Knowledge-Based Authentication (KBA) by answering security questions. When these are successfully completed, the system will analyze your ID to confirm its authenticity in a step known as Credential Analysis.
Steps for Credential Analysis
Select ID Type: Choose the type of ID you’ll be using for verification.
Ensure Clear Photos: Make sure your ID images are clear, legible, and free from blur.
Check Document Requirements: Some documents may have specific ID requirements for notarization. Follow any instructions associated with your document.
Capture Secondary ID if Needed: If a secondary ID is required, the system will prompt you to upload it.
Confirm and Continue: Once your images are clear enough for review, click "Confirm and Continue."
Grant Camera Access: Allow your browser access to your camera (click "Allow" in Chrome or "Share Selected Device" in Firefox).
Start Session: Click “Let’s Get Started” to connect with a notary.
Common Reasons for Credential Analysis Failure
If your ID cannot be verified, an error message will appear, providing guidance on acceptable forms of ID and options to return to the dashboard or retry. Common causes for failure include:
The ID provided is invalid.
The system couldn’t verify the ID.
The name or date of birth on the ID doesn’t match the information previously provided.
Glare is obstructing parts of the ID.
The photo quality is too low.
Note: For security reasons, we cannot disclose additional details about specific credential analysis failures.
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Knowledge-Based Authentication Overview
Knowledge-Based Authentication (KBA) is the second part of the multi-step verification for identity confirmation. We use secure, third-party data sources to create custom questions based on personal history, which can include topics like property ownership, vehicle registration, phone records, and more.
Requirements for KBA with SSN or ITIN
For identity verification or notarizing U.S.-based documents, you may need to complete KBA using either a Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN). This identifier should be linked to sufficient records, such as credit history, to generate verification questions.Note: You may occasionally be asked questions about others with whom you share property interests.
Personal Information Needed
To generate KBA questions, you’ll be asked for your name, address, date of birth, and the last 4 digits of your Social Security number. This information is solely used to create verification questions, drawing on records like credit and property data.If you lack a U.S. Social Security number, or have less than 6 months of credit history, you may receive an error message.
We require a valid U.S. Social Security number unless a Credible Witness is available for business document signing.
KBA Process Steps
Enter Your Personal Details: Provide your information and click "Continue."
Note: KBA can generate questions for residents in the 50 U.S. states and territories including Puerto Rico, American Samoa, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Start Verification: Begin the process by answering five security questions based on your background.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you experience difficulties generating enough questions, it may be due to a lack of public records (e.g., credit, property, vehicle). Try the following:Double-check your name, date of birth, address, and SSN for accuracy.
Use your full legal name. If you recently changed your name, try your former name.
If you recently moved or are traveling, try your last known U.S. address.
Passing the KBA Quiz
You have two minutes to answer at least 4 out of 5 questions correctly:First Attempt: If you fail or time out, you can retry once within 24 hours.
Second Attempt: If you fail the retry, a third attempt will be available after 24 hours from the first attempt.
After Three Attempts: Failing the third attempt results in a 48-hour lockout.
Note: You may only attempt KBA three times within a 48-hour period. After 48 hours, any new attempt restarts the process.
What if I Fail?
If unsuccessful, you’ll see a notification with your next available attempt time. These waiting periods are a legal requirement for security purposes.