Performing Your First Online Notarization

Performing Your First Online Notarization

Once a session is scheduled, here’s how to guide the signer, perform notarial acts, complete the notarization, and finalize the session in Notary.io.
  1. Log in to your Notary.io account before the session start time.
  2. Navigate to the Sessions tab from the dashboard.
  3. Find the scheduled session and click “Join” when it becomes active.
  4. Verify the signer’s identity either through your personal knowledge of signer’s identity or requiring the signer’s use the built-in ID verification tools (e.g., knowledge-based authentication (KBA) test and valid government issued photo ID upload).
  5. Confirm the signer’s video and audio connection is working properly and that session is being recorded through the verbal recording announcement and blinking recording message at bottom of the screen
  6. Complete your identification of the signer on the call and make a statement of the identification method you have used for identification (e.g. personal knowledge, or KBA test and credential analysis).
  7. Perform all required notarial acts prior to signing the document - for example administering an oath, etc.
  8. Use the annotation tools to guide the signer to required signature fields.
  9. Prompt the signer to electronically sign where needed.
  10. Once signing is complete, apply your electronic notary seal (stamp) and signature using the tools on the screen.
  11. You will apply your X.509 notary signing certificate - that you have uploaded - by “Locking” the document.
  12. Complete the session by clicking “Finalize” or “Complete Session.”
  13. The signed and notarized document will be automatically saved and made available for download by both parties.


Tips:
  1. Make sure your notary stamp, signature, and certificate are uploaded to your profile before the session.
  2. Maintain a professional environment and appearance on camera for the recorded session.
  3. Make sure to tell the signer at the outset that the session is being recorded and a public record is being made so that they will not make any unnecessary statements or reveal any confidential information.
  4. Ensure the signer understands each step of the online notarization session to maintain trust and legal compliance.