NOTARY

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Notarization?

Notarization is the process whereby a Notary Public certifies a document. Usually this is done by attaching a notarial certificate to the document. The notarial certificate contains statements of fact or law in relation to the document being certified.

Do I need an appointment?

Yes. Since our partners notarize remotely, all appointments must be booked and confirmed at least 15minutes before the desired appointment time.

What is an online notary?

An online notary public is a commissioned notary public who has the authority to perform a remote notarization using an audio-visual conference rather than having the individual physically appear before the notary at the time of the notarization.

Is online notarization legal?

Yes, it is.

Online notarizations are accepted across the country due to a long-standing body of laws in each state that specifically provides for recognition and acceptance of out-of-state notarizations. In addition to laws in each state recognizing and accepting common out-of-state notarizations, the Full Faith and Credit Clause of the US Constitution may provide an additional basis for states to accept out of state notarizations.

Certain states and public agencies have specific additional requirements and limitations for executing and/or accepting electronically-signed documents and out-of-state notarizations, and not all documents may be electronically-signed. We always recommend checking with your intended recipient to confirm their acceptance of online notarizations.

What if my documents require physical (wet) signatures?

In some cases, your recipient may require original signatures from all signers. In order to fulfill this requirement, you will need to meet with our notary in person or make arrangements to mail your documentation to us.

If this happens, we will discuss the best option for you.

What are the acceptable forms of ID that I can use?

Acceptable forms of ID include the following photo IDs if valid and unexpired. Your state may have other allowable IDs or may exclude use of some items on this list, so always check:

– U.S. State Issued Driver’s License
– U.S. State Issued Photo ID
– U.S. Passport Book
– U.S. Passport Card
– Certificate of US citizenship
– Certificate of Naturalization
– Foreign Passport
– Alien Registration Card with Photo
– Military ID

If you are unsure whether your ID will be accepted, send us a message and we’ll let you know!

How does online notarization work?

You are connected with a commissioned notary public via live audio-video call. The notary public confirms your identity visually using the scanned photo ID, and then witnesses as you sign the document. Just like a traditional notarization, the notary then signs and places their notarial seal on your document.

How does online notarization differ from standard notarization?

The only differences between the two are the tools that are involved. All notarial acts remain the same except the introduction of electronic signature, electronic notary stamps, and Video-Audio technology. Personal appearance, positive identification, and required notarial acts are still utilized with online notarization.

What if my document requires a witness?

Many transactions require more than just a notary and signer. If you’re signing a document that requires a witness, you’ll want to make sure you let us know before your appointment. Just reply to your confirmation email and we will make sure they have access to the session as well.

If you’d like us to provide a witness for you, let your notary know by requesting a witness in your confirmation email resposne.

What types of documents do you notarize?

We are authorized to notarize just about every document you have. We also perform sworn oaths.

There are a few exceptions though, so see below:

In an online notarization, both you and the notary electronically sign the notarized document. Per federal and state laws such as the ESIGN Act and the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA), when both sides agree to perform their transaction electronically, electronic signatures are just as valid as handwritten signatures for virtually all documents. But, certain documents are excluded – see below. Also, some states, public agencies and court systems impose additional requirements and limitations for accepting electronically-signed documents, so it’s always important to check with your intended recipient to confirm their specific requirements for accepting electronically signed and notarized documents.

What if I have additional signers?

If your document must be signed by more than one person, you have a two options:

1. You and your secondary signer can be co-located (in the same physical location), log into the session with the notary together, on the same device, and your documents notarized.

2. If your document requires two or more signers and they’re not co-located, all signers must complete separate transactions. Each signer would request and appointment and upload an unsigned copy of his/her document. When complete, you will have separately notarized documents that you may then submit to your recipient agency or institution.

Can I Come To Your Location?

Yes. Please visit www.ktsfinancial.org/booking to schedule an appointment.