Notary Public for Remote Online Commissioning Explained

Gone are the days of rushing to the bank or hunting down a notary public during office hours. Remote online commissioning is transforming how we handle document verification, allowing essential papers like Affidavits and Oaths to be commissioned from anywhere with an internet connection.

Whether you’re finalizing a legal statement or making a formal sworn declaration, remote commissioning offers a secure, convenient alternative to traditional in-person commissioning. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about remote online commissioning for Affidavits and Oaths.

Remote Online Commissioning: Here’s Everything to Know

Remote online commissioning is a digital process that allows people to have Affidavits and Oaths commissioned online using audio-visual technology, without needing to visit an authorized Commissioner of Oaths in person. With remote commissioning, the entire process of swearing or affirming the document can occur online while still adhering to all the legal rules and protections of traditional in-person commissioning. This is possible because it uses secure video conferencing platforms, digital identity verification tools, and electronic signatures to ensure the document is properly witnessed and authenticated.

How to Use Remote Online Commissioning

Step 1: Visiting a Notarization Platform Online

The deponent (the person making the Affidavit or taking the Oath) begins the remote commissioning process by accessing a secure online platform from their computer or mobile device. The first step involves securely emailing or uploading the document that needs to be commissioned to the Notary Public or Commissioner of Oaths. This ensures the document is received safely and ready for review before the virtual meeting takes place.— This digital document is then prepared for the online commissioning process, ensuring it is ready for the electronic signatures of both the deponent and the Commissioner of Oaths.

Step 2: Verify Your Identity

The most significant part of remote notarization (online commissioning) is verifying the deponent’s identity. This verification is conducted during the live video call, where the notary public or commissioner of oaths examines the deponent’s valid, government-issued identification on camera to confirm their identity.

Step 3: A Video Call With the Notary

After their identity is confirmed in the live video call with an official notary public. Further:

• The notary checks to make sure the signer is who they claim to be. 
• The notary administers an oath or affirmation to the signer, confirming that the document’s contents are true and correct to the best of Deponent’s knowledge.
• The notary sees the electronic signature and puts their digital notarial seal on it. 

Step 4: Session Recording

There is a detailed audit trail because the session is recorded and securely stored. This includes:

• The notarization was recorded on video and audio. 
• The exact timestamp of the notarization is recorded. 
• Digital certificates that prove the document is safe.

Acceptable Documents for Online  Commissioning

We can assist with commissioning a wide range of documents, including but not limited to:

• Affidavits, such as:
  • Affidavit of Identity
  • Affidavit of Service
  • Affidavit of Income
  • Affidavit of Divorce
  • Court-related Affidavits
• Statutory Declarations, including:
  • Custodianship Declarations
  • Common-Law Declarations
  • OSAP Declarations
  • Progress Payment Declarations
• Proof of Loss Forms
• Consent to Travel Letters
• Name Change Applications
• Vehicle Transfer – Family Gift of Motor Vehicle Forms
• Any other Statutory Declaration or Affidavit requiring commissioning

If your document isn’t listed above, don’t worry — contact us with your inquiry, and we’ll be happy to confirm if we can help!

The Advantages of Remote Commissioning

For Businesses and Customers

The benefits of remote commissioning go far beyond just making things easier. The technology removes geographical barriers, so people who live far away or have trouble getting around can still use notarial services. This is especially helpful for older people, people with disabilities, or people who live in rural areas where notary services might not be easy to find.
From a business point of view, remote commissioning significantly reduces transaction times and costs. Declarations and affidavits can be done online, which saves money on travel and scheduling issues. 

Better Security

Because online commissioning is digital, it also has better security features than traditional notarization. The complete audit trail, which includes video recordings and digital timestamps, strengthens the record of the notarization process. It’s harder to change or fake electronic documents than paper ones. 

Effects on the Environment

In many cases, online commissioning makes it unnecessary to have paper documents. This reduces the amount of paper used and the ecological damage caused by traveling to notarization appointments.

Challenges With Remote Commissioning

Technological Barriers

One of the most significant problems is that older people or people who don’t know much about computers find it hard to use technology. Not everyone can meet the requirements of having a reliable internet connection and access to the right devices.

Concerns About Security

Security concerns remain a consideration, even though various technological safeguards address them. Cybersecurity threats, potential system weaknesses, and the risk of identity theft mean that security protocols must be constantly improved and kept up to date.

Restrictions on Types of Documents

Also, some documents may not be suitable for remote notarization. Some places do not allow certain documents to be notarized online. Instead, they require traditional in-person notarization.

Whether it’s In-Person or Online Commissioning: The Notary Guy Offers It All

Remote Online Commissioning is a significant change in how we verify documents. It makes it easier, faster, and safer to do so. There are still challenges to solve, but as technology and rules are constantly changing, remote notarization is likely to become a more critical part of the notarization process. Notarization is an essential service that continually evolves to meet today’s needs, whether done in person or online.

The Notary Guy ensures that every client has a smooth, safe, and professional experience, regardless of their needs. We bridge the gap between traditional and digital notarization, offering you flexibility and convenience without compromising the standards of the notarization process. Get in touch to experience notarial services like never before.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is remote commissioning allowed in every province?
In Canada, remote commissioning is legal in many provinces, but the rules and requirements are different in each one. To make sure you follow the law, it’s essential to review the rules for your province.

What kind of technology do you need to do remote commissioning?
Both the notary and the signer usually need access to a secure platform that supports video conferencing, identity verification, digital document signing, and a stable internet connection to perform remote notarization.

Is remote commissioning safe and reliable?
Yes, remote commissioning has advanced security features like multi-factor authentication and digital seals that show if someone has tampered with them. These features make sure that the notarized documents are safe, accurate, and real.