What is remote notarization?

Remote notarization refers specifically to a notarial act that is conducted using audio-video communication technology. This method allows the notary public to verify the identity of a signer and witness the signing of documents in real-time, despite being in different physical locations. The use of technology ensures that the notary can perform their duties while meeting legal requirements, including the requirement for the notary to be able to see and hear the signer.

This option aligns with the modern practices embraced in many jurisdictions, including Illinois, where remote notarization has gained traction, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated more flexible methods of conducting notarizations. In this context, remote notarization streamlines processes and expands accessibility, making it a significant component of notarial practices today.

The other options present different forms of notarization but do not accurately represent the remote notarization process. For example, notarizing documents in physical presence refers to traditional methods where the signer and notary are together, while notarizing through a mobile app might imply an isolated technology without a live interaction, which does not capture the essence of remote notarization that requires real-time communication.