Can a Notary Commission Documents Online?

Key Takeaways

• Online notary services are legal and accessible in Canada, including in Ontario and British Columbia.
• The process of online commissioning involves meeting a notary online, verifying your ID, electronically signing your documents, and obtaining a secure PDF copy in your email.
• Using an online notary service is beneficial because it’s a convenient and expertly administered service that boasts high-level security.
• Documents processed by NotaryPro are recognized by most recipients and they will vouch for your electronic signature if necessary.
• The legal framework for online notary services is growing in Canada and the United States.

How do online notary services work?

It’s simple, fast, and secure. When you meet with a NotaryPro online, first your ID will be reviewed and then your document will be electronically signed and digitally commissioned. Trust us – it is fast!

You will instantly receive a PDF copy of your e-signed document via email. This file contains a new detailed document history page, which includes a record of the encrypted electronic signature process. It is the security you expect in 2020.

What are the advantages of commissioning documents remotely?

First, you can stay in the safety and security of your home or office and book an appointment at any time that works for you. You do not need to put on a mask, and you certainly do not need to get out of your sweatpants.

Secondly, when you use a remote online notary service such as Notary Pro’s leading virtual notary public platform, you benefit from having the expertise of Notary Pro’s lawyer notaries guiding you every step of the way.

Third, your electronic signature is encrypted, and your digitally commissisoned document is as legal and legitimate as a real pen and paper document.

Finally, times have changed rapidly. You can trust the seal of every NotaryPro notary public will be accepted by almost any recipient today. While we cannot 100% guarantee anything, we stand behind our electronically signed and digitally commissioned documents and will vouch for your e-signature with any recipient.

But are remote online commissioning services legal?

Yes. The laws governing remote commissioning services (sometimes called virtual notary services, electronic notary services, or digital notary services) are fairly new and emerging in many provinces in Canada and states across the United States.

In Ontario, the remote online notary process is permitted by Ontario Regulation 431/20 and electronic signatures are permitted under the Ontario Electronic Commerce Act. In British Columbia, the BC Ministry of the Attorney General has permitted virtual commissioning. More provinces are coming onboard every month.

In the United States, the State of Virginia became the first state to legalize electronic notaries, and remains the leading state for online notary solutions. Many states have legalized electronic notarization as well.

Discover more about our online notary service