In electronic notarizations, how many witnesses are required to verify a principal’s identity?

In electronic notarizations, the requirement is that only one witness is needed to verify a principal’s identity. This is important because it streamlines the process of notarization in the digital realm while still ensuring that there is a measure of accountability and verification in the identity of the individual involved. The presence of a witness can help to affirm the legitimacy of the transaction, making it more secure against potential fraud.

The allowance for just one witness reflects a balance between the need for oversight and the practicality of conducting notarizations electronically, where traditional in-person identity verifications might not always be feasible. Therefore, in scenarios where electronic means are employed for notarization, having just one witness supports efficient and effective verification of the signer’s identity, while also complying with legal standards set forth for electronic notarizations in Illinois.