Remote Online Notarization Available Now

Governor Inslee has temporarily allowed Washington notaries who have the proper credentials to notarize documents remotely through May 31, 2020. This emergency action temporarily moves up the start date of a new Washington statute that will allow Remote Online Notarization (RON) permanently beginning October 1, 2020.

Until now, the law has required that the notary and the person whose signature is being notarized be in each other’s physical presence. Remote Online Notarization will redefine physical presence to include videoconference when certain conditions are met.

Not every notary can do this. Notaries must have both an electronic notary endorsement and a remote notary endorsement on their notary license in order to perform Remote Online Notarization. They must also use special software. We currently have two authorized Remote Notaries on staff and are here to help you.

What does this mean? If you need a document notarized and were unable to find a notary or were afraid to meet with one in person, you now have an option. While some estate plan documents legally require one or more witnesses, many documents such as powers of attorney, trusts, and deeds only require a notary and can now be signed without the risk of contact with other people.

How does it work? You will need a good internet connection, a webcam, and the ability to upload documents. You and the notary will both log in to a secure website. The website software will ask you to prove your identity by a combination of uploading an image of your ID and answering questions only you should know the answer to. Once you complete the verification, you will be able to view the documents for signing in the website. Using your webcam, the notary will watch you sign electronically. Then the notary will sign and seal the document electronically. No paper changes hands and the software guarantees that you and the notary are viewing and signing the exact same document.

If you need a document notarized and wish to do remote online notarization, please contact us.