If you’re looking to become a commissioned notary, you’ll need to register with an online notary website, or eNotary. In addition to becoming a notary, you’ll also want to ensure that you’re covered with an error and omissions insurance policy. This article discusses the benefits of becoming an eNotary and provides guidelines for electronic notarizations.
Sign up for an eNotary account
Becoming a Virginia eNotary is a relatively easy process. The state’s electronic notarization standards are published by the Secretary of the Commonwealth. Applicants do not need to complete an exam or take any formal training. They just need to be legally authorized to act as a Notary Public.
An eNotary is a commissioned notary public who performs notarial acts online. In fact, becoming an eNotary is faster and more secure than the traditional in-person notary service.
eNotaries can earn up to $25 per notarial act. However, each eNotary is required to submit an application and pay a $45 application fee. Once the application is submitted, the applicant will be notified by the Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth. After being approved, the applicant will have 60 days to report to the Circuit Court.
Before you can sign up as a notary, you will need to obtain an electronic seal. You can purchase an electronic seal from a vendor.
Get an error and omissions insurance policy
Notaries are entrusted with signing important documents. Unfortunately, even the smallest mistake can be costly. If you are planning to become a notary, you may want to consider getting an Errors & Omissions (E&O) Insurance policy.
An E&O insurance policy protects notaries against claims of negligence, errors, and misrepresentations. It also provides compensation for legal fees and court costs incurred when fighting a claim.
The cost of a notary E&O insurance policy varies depending on the type of coverage you choose. Most policies range from $15 to $30 per year.
Some carriers offer a premium discount for buying the E&O insurance upfront. This allows you to save money upfront, but you will have to pay the full premium later.
When it comes to purchasing an Errors & Omissions insurance policy for your Virginia notary business, you can choose between a basic policy, a comprehensive policy, and an umbrella policy. These types of policies vary in size, but the smallest will cover 10 claims, each for $10,000.
Become a commissioned notary
If you’re looking to become a commissioned online notary Virginia, there are some key steps to get started. In addition to being a legal resident, you must be at least 18 years old and be able to read and write in English. You also need to have never been convicted of a felony.
The process is simple. All you need is a secure internet connection and a computer with audio-visual conferencing capabilities.
Once you’ve established yourself online, you can submit your application to the Secretary of the Commonwealth. This application is available on the Secretary’s website, and you’ll be prompted to upload a copy of your traditional notarial commission.
In addition to the notarial certificate, you will receive an electronic journal that records your sessions. Notaries are required to keep a backup of this journal.
After you’ve completed the application, you’ll be notified by the Secretary of the Commonwealth. If you’re approved, you’ll have 60 days to report to the Circuit Court.
Legal framework for electronic notarizations
Virginia notaries have legal authority to perform remote electronic notarizations through a secure web cam session. This allows multiple individuals to meet virtually, which is ideal for business transactions.
Electronic notarizations have been permitted in many states for more than a decade, although the laws vary. In some states, notaries must physically be present before notarization. Online notarizations are faster and more secure than traditional in-person services.
The Commonwealth of Virginia authorized the use of remote document notarizations in 2012. Remote e-notarizations allow notaries to complete notarial acts online using audio-video technology.
Notaries should ensure that all notarizations are recorded and journaled. If they have prior knowledge of a signer’s identity, they can verify the person’s identity during an online notarization.
The Code of Virginia requires notaries to register with the Secretary of the Commonwealth as eNotaries. To apply for a digital certificate, notaries need to provide their official notary and legal names. They also need to describe the technology that will be used.
