Notarizations often mark significant moments in life, whether it's finalizing paperwork for a new home, adopting a child, tying the knot, or preparing your will. According to the National Notary Association's Notary Census in 2022, there were over 4.4 million notaries in the United States, highlighting the importance of their role.
In recent years, online notary services have gained popularity, offering the same convenience virtually as in-person. In fact, 43 states have passed legislation to allow them.
If you're searching for the best online notary services, the numerous options might leave you overwhelmed. Fortunately, we've conducted thorough research on 15 top companies, considering factors such as their history, reputation, platform, process, and pricing. Here are the top five choices for notarizing documents from the comfort of your home in 2023:
Best Overall: Notarize
Best for Multiple Signers: NotaryCam
Best for Real Estate Transactions: Nexsys Technologies
Best for Customer Service: eNotaryLog
Best for Speed: OneNotary
Notarize: A Leading Choice
Notarize Stands out across various categories, offering an app compatible with iPhone, Android, and iPad. What's remarkable is their 24/7 access to notaries, ensuring flexibility for users.
Pros:
-Available 24/7, 365 days a year (except for mortgages)
-Accessible via mobile app or tablet
Cons:
-Slightly pricier compared to other options
Notarize earns the title of the best overall choice because they provide access to an online notary round the clock, every day of the year, whether you're using a computer, Android, iPhone, or iPad. As a pioneer in the industry since 2015, they're headquartered in Boston and offer their services nationwide.
They saw a remarkable 600% growth in 2020 and formed a partnership with Adobe Sign in October 2020 to enhance their online notary and e-signature services.
Their process is straightforward, typically taking only 15 minutes. You can register on their app or website, upload your document, verify your identity, and connect with a live notary who will witness your electronic signature and add a notarial seal. You'll have digital access to your notarized document or can send it as needed.
Notarize charges $25 for a single notarized document, with additional seals priced at $10 each. They also offer a Business Pro service and a Business Premium option with custom pricing for businesses.
NotaryCam
Ideal for Multiple Signers. It Excels in handling multiple signers, even if they are in different locations. This capability sets them apart in the online notary services landscape.
Pros:
-Available 24/7, 365 days a year (except for mortgages)
-Supports multiple signers from different locations
-Emphasis on security with robust encryption and certification
Cons:
-$79 fee for notarizations outside of the U.S.
-Some customer complaints about appointment delays on Trustpilot
NotaryCam makes the list because of their ability to accommodate multiple signers from various locations. They've been in the notary business since 2004 and have been offering online notarization services since 2012, headquartered in Newport Beach, California. They operate in all 50 states and boast a 99.8% customer satisfaction rate for over a million online notarizations.
Also provides a face-to-face meeting with a live notary, requiring a high-speed internet connection and a desktop or laptop computer with a webcam and audio capabilities. Their services are available 24/7 for most notarizations and from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. EST for real estate closings.
Their three-step process is quick and efficient. You can upload your document, connect with a live notary to verify your identity, and complete the notarization with electronic signing and the eNotary seal.
In the U.S., their notarization fee is $25, but it's $79 for meetings outside the country. NotaryCam also offers volume discounts for businesses needing 10 or more documents notarized each month.
Nexsys Technologies Perfect for Real Estate Transactions.Nexsys Technologies specializes in notary services for real estate transactions, particularly multiple-page mortgage originations and closings.
Pros:
-Focuses on real estate transactions
-Supports remote, in-person, or hybrid closings
-Offers software to reduce missed signatures
Cons:
-Service availability varies by state
-Pricing information must be obtained from your title company
It is a fintech company established in 2013 and based in Detroit, provides advanced technology for mortgage originations and closings. They operate in 34 states, with approval pending in four more. Additionally, they offer Clear HOI, a tool that improves communication between mortgage lenders and homeowners insurance companies.
This one connects homebuyers and closing agents through their platform called Clear Sign. This platform can minimize delays in mortgage disbursement and supports Hybrid, IPEN, and RON signings. Security is a priority, with multiple layers of protection and vault integration.
Pricing for Nexsys Technologies' Clear Sign is not publicly disclosed; you'll need to contact a company representative for details.
Understanding Online Notary Services
The primary role of a notary public is to combat fraud and establish the authenticity of crucial legal documents like real estate deeds, titles, or wills. Notaries achieve this by acting as state-appointed witnesses. Online notarization, sometimes known as remote or virtual notarization, occurs when a notary public oversees a signing via the internet rather than in person.
Another related but distinct option is electronic notarization or eNotarization, where both the notary public and the signer use electronic signatures. However, this process still involves in-person notarization.
Keep in mind that every state has its own set of laws governing online notarization, so it's essential to check your local regulations before using these services.
How to Notarize Documents Remotely
While online notary services may vary in features, most follow a similar process for remote notarization. To complete the process, you'll need a stable internet connection and audio/video capabilities on your computer, tablet, or mobile device to connect with a live virtual notary. Once logged in, you can upload your document through the company's online platform.
The notary will typically request identity verification, which you can usually provide with a valid state or government-issued ID. After confirmation, you can discuss your document with the live notary and complete the notarization. Once done, you'll have secure access to the digitally stamped document.
Cost of Online Notary Services
Based on our research, most online notary services charge $25 for a single notarization. However, pricing for business or enterprise accounts can vary significantly. Some business plans might include one-time fees of up to $300 or monthly subscription fees ranging from $57 to $99, depending on the features and company. These additional services often include multiple user access, extended platform capabilities, and enhanced customer service options.
In comparison, an in-person notary public may charge separate fees for acknowledgments, jurats, verbal oaths and affirmations, and travel reimbursements. Notary publics may offer some of these services free of charge or charge fees that align with your state's fee limits, which vary depending on your location.
How We Selected the Best Online Notary Companies
When choosing an online notary service, you have numerous options to consider. Online notary services have gained popularity, leading to a wide array of choices. To compile our list of the best online notary services, we meticulously reviewed 15 of the most well-known companies.
Our selection process involved an examination of each company's history, reputation, and distinctive qualities. We also assessed their online notary service platforms and applications. Finally, we compared their notarization processes, speed of service, and pricing to finalize our recommendations.
With this information in hand, you can confidently choose the online notary service that best fits your needs. Whether it's the convenience of Notarize, the flexibility of NotaryCam, or the specialization of Nexsys Technologies, these top options offer the assurance you seek in your notarization process.
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