What does a remote notarial act involve?

A remote notarial act involves a notary public conducting the notarization process using audio-video technology, allowing the parties involved to be in different locations while still facilitating the necessary identification and verification processes. This modern approach has become increasingly important as it enables greater accessibility to notarial services, particularly when individuals cannot be physically present in the same location.

In this context, the use of audio-video technology ensures that the notary can see and hear the signer, confirming their identity and willingness to sign the document in real time. It also allows the notary to perform their duties in accordance with the legal requirements for notarization, while adapting to contemporary communication methods.

The other options do not accurately describe remote notarization. In-person notarizations require the notary and signer to be physically together. A document being notarized with a digital signature alone does not ensure the necessary verification and identification that remote notarization entails. Additionally, while a notarial act that does not require the notary to be present may sound similar, it does not accurately capture the essence of remote notarization, which mandates the notary's involvement, albeit through electronic means.