What best practices should notaries follow when performing RON?

Maintaining accurate records and verification is essential for notaries performing Remote Online Notary (RON) services. This best practice helps ensure the integrity of the notarization process by creating a reliable and verifiable record of each transaction. Accurate record-keeping is crucial not only for legal compliance but also for providing accountability. When a notary maintains detailed records of each notarization, they can provide necessary information if the notarization is questioned or investigated later on.

Verification, which includes confirming the identity of the signers and ensuring they understand the document being notarized, is a fundamental responsibility of the notary. This process often involves using technology tools such as identity verification software to ensure the signer's identity matches their legal documents. Because RON is conducted online, the technology must be secure and reliable, allowing the notary to fulfill their role effectively while adhering to state regulations.

In contrast, utilizing basic technology tools might not guarantee sufficient verification or security for RON, as the tools must meet specific standards. Processing documents quickly without checks undermines the quality and legality of the notarization process, as rushed actions may lead to errors or oversights. Also, relying solely on client feedback can lead to inaccuracies since it lacks the objective verification that is critical in a notar