A Notary Public is an official authorized by a state government—typically by the Secretary of State—to act as a neutral witness during the signing of documents. Their primary responsibility is to help prevent fraud by verifying the identities of those involved and ensuring that all parties understand and willingly agree to the terms of the transaction.

People use a notary for several important reasons, primarily to ensure trust, authenticity, and legal validity in the signing of documents. Here are the main reasons why someone might use a notary:

1. To Prevent Fraud  – A notary verifies the identity of the person signing a document, helping to prevent impersonation or forgery.

2. To Ensure Willing Participation  – The notary ensures that all parties are signing willingly and are not under duress or being coerced.

3. To Confirm Awareness and Understanding  – Notaries confirm that the signers understand what they are signing, adding an extra layer of legal protection.

4. To Meet Legal Requirements  – Some documents (e.g., real estate transactions, powers of attorney, wills, and affidavits) must be notarized to be legally valid or enforceable.

5. To Provide an Official Record  – A notary keeps a log (journal) of their transactions, which can serve as a legal record if the document’s validity is ever challenged.

6. For Use in Another State or Country  – A notarized document is often required for cross-border transactions or international use (sometimes accompanied by an apostille or certification).

7. To Add Credibility and Trust  – A notarized signature can give the document more weight in legal or business settings by showing it was signed under official oversight.

In short, using a notary adds a level of integrity and security to documents that can affect legal, financial, or personal matters.

Notarization serves as a fraud-deterrent process that ensures the authenticity of a document and the identity of its signers. A notary public acts as an impartial witness, verifying that all parties involved are who they claim to be and are signing willingly and knowingly. By having a document notarized, you add an extra layer of trust and verification, ensuring that the document is authentic and properly executed

Generally, a notarized document itself does not have an expiration date. However, its validity and recognition depend on the nature of the document and the laws governing its use in specific states or jurisdictions. For instance, certain legal documents, such as powers of attorney or real estate transactions, may be subject to expiration dates or periodic updates. At Consider This Today, we ensure all notarizations are conducted according to Ohio state laws. While the notarial act remains valid, always consult with legal counsel or relevant authorities regarding the specific document's longevity and applicability to ensure compliance with any expiration stipulations.

1. Signer Identity Verification

The notary verifies the signer’s identity using:

• Credential analysis: The signer uploads a government-issued ID, which is checked for authenticity.

• Knowledge-based authentication (KBA): The signer answers security questions based on personal or financial history (e.g., former addresses, vehicle ownership).

2. Audio-Visual Recording

A live video session begins where the signer and notary interact in real time. This session is:

• Recorded and stored securely (often for 5–10 years, depending on state law).

• Used as legal evidence that the notarization took place.

3. Document Signing and Notarization

• The signer electronically signs the document (usually via mouse, stylus, or typed signature).

• The notary electronically applies the:

  • Digital notarial seal

  • Electronic signature

  • Notarial certificate (e.g., “Acknowledgment” or “Jurat”)

4. Notary Journal Entry

The remote online notary (RON) records the act in a digital notary journal detail:

• Date and time

• Document type

• Method of ID verification

• Recording reference

5. Delivery of Notarized Document

Once completed:

• The signer receives a digitally signed and notarized document, often as a secure PDF.

• This document is legally binding, just like a traditional notarized document, and typically includes metadata showing the notary's digital certificate.

Several factors can affect the ongoing validity or acceptance of a notarized document:

• Document-Specific Expiration: Some documents include clauses that set their own expiration dates or require periodic renewals. For instance, a power of attorney might be valid only for a specified period, after which it becomes ineffective regardless of notarization.

• Outdated Information: If the content of the document becomes outdated—such as changes in personal details or circumstances—the document may no longer serve its intended purpose, even though the notarization remains valid.

• Notary Commission Validity: The notary's commission must be active at the time of notarization. If a notary notarizes a document after their commission has expired, the notarization is invalid.

• Alterations Post-Notarization: Any changes made to a document after it has been notarized can render it invalid, especially if those changes affect essential terms or provisions.
  

Therefore, while the notarization itself does not expire, the document's continued validity depends on its content, any specified timeframes, and adherence to legal requirements.

Consult with a legal profession for clarity of your document's validity.

You will be meeting with a notary virtually—through a secure video platform—to get your documents notarized. Here’s what to expect: 1. Schedule Your Appointment

You’ll book a time or use an on-demand service, depending on the notary’s setup.

2. Identity Verification

Before the session starts, you’ll go through a two-step identity check:

• Knowledge-Based Authentication (KBA) – Answer personal questions (like those on a credit report).

• ID Verification – Upload a photo of a government-issued ID (like your driver’s license or passport).

3. Secure Video Session

You’ll meet with the notary on a secure platform (like Zoom or a specialized app). They’ll:

• Confirm your identity again on camera

• Watch you sign the document (using an e-signature)

• Apply their digital notary seal and signature

4. Receive Your Notarized Document

After the session, you’ll get a digitally notarized document via email with a secure download link.

5. Recording and Audit Trail

The session is recorded for legal protection and stored securely (10 years for state of Ohio).

• Preventing Fraud: Notarization helps deter fraudulent activities by confirming the identity of signers and their understanding of the document's contents.

• Legal Requirement: Certain documents, such as real estate deeds, powers of attorney, and affidavits, often require notarization to be legally binding.

• Enhancing Credibility: A notarized document carries greater weight in legal proceedings and is more likely to be accepted by courts, government agencies, and financial institutions.

1. Convenience and Accessibility RON allows you to notarize documents from anywhere with internet access, eliminating the need for physical meetings. This is especially beneficial for individuals with mobility issues, tight schedules, or those residing in remote areas.

2. Time and Cost Efficiency By removing the need for travel and in-person appointments, online notarization can significantly reduce the time and expenses associated with the notarization process.

3. Enhanced Security Measures RON platforms often incorporate advanced security features, such as multi-factor authentication, knowledge-based identity verification, and digital audit trails, which can enhance the integrity of the notarization process.

4. Environmental Benefits Digital notarization reduces paper usage, contributing to environmental sustainability by minimizing the need for physical document handling and storage.

As of May 2025, 47 U.S. states and the District of Columbia have enacted laws permitting Remote Online Notarization (RON), allowing notarial acts to be performed via secure audio-visual technology. This means individuals can have documents notarized without being physically present with the notary.

States that have enacted RON laws include:

• Alabama

• Alaska

• Arizona

• Arkansas

• California

• Colorado

• Connecticut

• Delaware

• District of Columbia

• Florida

• Georgia

• Hawaii

• Idaho

• Illinois

• Indiana

• Iowa

• Kansas

• Kentucky

• Louisiana

• Maine

• Maryland

• Massachusetts

• Michigan

• Minnesota

• Mississippi

• Missouri

• Montana

• Nebraska

• Nevada

• New Hampshire

• New Jersey

• New Mexico

• New York

• North Carolina

• North Dakota

• Ohio

• Oklahoma

• Oregon

• Pennsylvania

• Rhode Island

• South Carolina

• South Dakota

• Tennessee

• Texas

• Utah

• Vermont

• Virginia

• Washington

• West Virginia

• Wisconsin

• Wyoming

How do I notarize a document if the signer cannot sign their name due to a physical condition?

• According to Ohio Revised Code 147.59, an individual whose physical characteristics limit their ability to sign a document can direct a designated alternative signer to sign on their behalf.

• All the following requirements must be met to notarize a document with a designated signer:

  • The signer must communicate their intent to use a designated alternative signer to the notary public.

  • The designated alternative signer must appear before the notary public and be identified.

  • The designated alternative signer must sign the document in the notary public's presence.

  • The designated alternative signer cannot be named in the document.

  • The notarial certificate must contain the designated alternative signer’s name.

  • The notarial certificate must state that the document was signed by a designated alternative signer at the signer’s direction.

A jurat is a type of notarial act used when the signer of a document must swear to or affirm the truthfulness of its contents. A notarial certificate is attached to a document in which the notary public certifies that:

1. The signer personally appeared before the notary,

2. The signer was identified (via ID or personal knowledge),

3. The signer signed the document in the notary's presence, and

4. The signer took an oath or made an affirmation that the contents of the document are true.

Common Wording: “Subscribed and sworn to (or affirmed) before me this ___ day of _, 20.”

Common Uses:

• Affidavits

• Depositions

• Sworn statements

• Identity theft claims

• Legal pleadings

Key Difference from an Acknowledgment: With a jurat, the signer must take an oath or affirmation — meaning they formally swear or affirm that what they’ve written is true. In contrast, an acknowledgment simply confirms that the signer voluntarily signed the document.

An acknowledgment  is a type of notarial act where a signer confirms that they willingly signed a document — but does not need to swear to the truth of its contents. An acknowledgment is a formal declaration by a person that:

1. They have signed the document voluntarily,

2. They understand what the document means, and

3. They were identified properly by the notary (using ID or personal knowledge).

Common Wording: “Before me, the undersigned notary public, personally appeared [Name], who acknowledged executing the foregoing instrument for the purposes stated therein.”

Common Uses:

• Real estate documents (like deeds, mortgages, and deeds of trust)

• Powers of attorney

• Trust documents

• Business contracts

• Documents requiring recording in public records

Key Difference from a Jurat: With an acknowledgment, the signer can sign the document before the notary appointment — the notary only verifies that the person appeared in person and confirmed their identity and intent to sign. In contrast, a jurat requires the signer to swear or affirm that the contents of the document are true and must be signed in the notary’s presence.