4.6/5
Notarize with Proof Service Evaluation
Key Takeaway: Notarize with Proof
Notarize (now part of the Proof.com platform) is a leading and legitimate remote online notary (RON) service that offers a secure and convenient way to get documents legally notarized 24/7. It’s an excellent solution for individuals and businesses seeking to avoid the hassle of in-person appointments, providing a fast, reliable, and legally binding alternative.
Finding a notary can be a time-consuming errand. The process often involves locating a nearby office, checking their hours, and traveling to get a physical stamp on your documents. This is where remote online notarization (RON) platforms enter the picture. Our comprehensive Notarize review explores one of the pioneers in this space, a company that has made digital notarization accessible and secure. We will examine the platform’s features, legitimacy, and costs based on our research and analysis of various Notarize reviews and user feedback.
The convenience of handling legal documents from your computer or smartphone is undeniable. Platforms like Notarize with Proof connect you with a commissioned notary public via a live video call, allowing you to sign and certify documents in minutes. Throughout this analysis of notarize.com reviews, we’ll answer critical questions about its safety, legal standing, and overall user experience to help you decide if it’s the right service for your needs.
How Notarize with Proof Works
The Notarize platform streamlines the entire notarization process into a few simple digital steps. The experience is designed to be intuitive, even for those who are not tech-savvy. From start to finish, the system guides you through each requirement to ensure a legally valid notarization.
Step 1: Upload Your Document
The first step is to upload the document you need notarized directly to the Notarize platform. It accepts most common file formats, such as PDFs and Microsoft Word documents. You do not need to sign it beforehand; you will apply your digital signature during the live session with the notary.
Step 2: Verify Your Identity
Before connecting you with a notary, Notarize must verify your identity to prevent fraud. This is a multi-step process that typically involves taking a photo of your government-issued photo ID (like a driver’s license or passport) and answering a few security questions based on your personal history. This process is known as Knowledge-Based Authentication (KBA) and is a standard security measure for RON services.
Step 3: Connect with a Live Notary
Once your identity is confirmed, you are placed in a queue to connect with a commissioned notary public via a secure, live audio-video call. This is usually very quick, often taking only a minute or two. The notary will confirm your identity again face-to-face, witness you digitally signing the document, and then apply their own digital seal and signature. The entire session is recorded and stored as required by law, providing a secure and auditable record of the transaction.
Who Notarize Is Best For
Notarize is ideal for individuals and businesses who need a fast, secure, and convenient way to notarize documents. It’s particularly useful for people with busy schedules, those living in remote areas, or anyone handling time-sensitive paperwork like real estate closing documents, loan agreements, powers of attorney, or sworn statements. Businesses can also leverage its platform for streamlining high-volume notarization needs through its API and dedicated business solutions.
Notarize Standout Features
Notarize has established itself as a leader in the RON industry through a combination of technology, accessibility, and robust security. Several key features make it a preferred choice for many users.
24/7 On-Demand Availability: One of the platform’s biggest advantages is its round-the-clock access. You can connect with a notary public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. This on-demand service eliminates the need to schedule appointments or worry about traditional business hours, which is invaluable for urgent needs.
Robust Security and Compliance: The company prioritizes security. The entire process, from identity verification to the video session, is encrypted. Notarize employs advanced identity-proofing technologies and maintains a secure audit trail of every transaction, including the video recording. The platform is fully compliant with the state laws that govern remote online notarization, ensuring your documents are legally binding.
Business and API Integration: Beyond individual use, Notarize offers a comprehensive platform for businesses. Companies can manage multiple transactions, add users, and track documents through a centralized dashboard. Furthermore, its robust API (Application Programming Interface) allows for seamless integration into existing workflows, making it a powerful tool for industries like real estate, financial services, and law.
Notarize Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Unmatched Convenience: Access a notary 24/7 from anywhere with an internet connection, eliminating travel and scheduling hassles. | Higher Cost: The standard fee is more expensive than a traditional in-person notary service, which can be just a few dollars. |
| Legally Binding: Documents notarized through the platform are legally valid and recognized in all 50 U.S. states. | Technology Dependent: The service requires a stable internet connection, a functioning camera, and a microphone, which can be a barrier for some users. |
| Strong Security: Uses multi-factor authentication, KBA, and encrypted video sessions to ensure a secure and verifiable transaction. | Potential for Technical Glitches: As with any online service, users may occasionally experience platform bugs or video connection issues. |
Is Notarize Legit?
Yes, Notarize is a completely legitimate and legally recognized company. This is a common question, as seen in search queries like ‘is notarize.com legit’ and ‘is notarize.com safe’. The company was a pioneer in the remote online notarization industry and built a platform based on stringent legal and security standards. In 2024, Notarize was acquired by Proof.com, a digital identity and transaction company, further cementing its position and resources in the market. When you visit Notarize.com today, it directs you to the Proof platform, which now hosts the service.
The notarizations performed on the platform are legally binding. The process complies with a framework of state-level RON laws, and thanks to interstate recognition laws, a document properly notarized online in a state like Virginia or Texas is valid across the entire United States. The platform’s security measures, including encrypted data, comprehensive audit trails, and robust identity verification, are designed to be more secure than many traditional in-person notarizations.
Notarize (Proof.com) BBB Rating and Accreditation
Since Notarize is now part of Proof.com, we look to Proof’s Better Business Bureau profile for an assessment of its business practices. Proof, LLC is accredited by the BBB and currently holds an A+ rating. This is the highest possible rating, indicating that the company is highly responsive to customer complaints and operates with a high degree of transparency and integrity. This accreditation and top rating should provide significant peace of mind to users concerned about the company’s reliability and customer service.
Notarize Cost: What You Should Expect to Pay
Notarize offers straightforward pricing for its on-demand service. The cost is higher than a traditional in-person notary but reflects the convenience, technology, and security provided. The platform is transparent about its fees before you begin the process.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Single Document Notarization | $25 |
| Additional Notary Seal | $15 per additional seal |
| Business and Enterprise Plans | Custom pricing based on volume |
The standard fee of $25 covers one notary seal for one signer. If your document requires multiple seals or if there are additional signers who need to have their signatures notarized, additional fees (typically $15 per extra seal) will apply. For businesses with higher volume needs, Notarize provides custom plans with dedicated support and integration options.
Final Verdict: Notarize Review
After a thorough Notarize review, we find it to be a top-tier service in the remote online notarization space. Its platform is secure, easy to use, and incredibly convenient, effectively solving the traditional hassles of getting a document notarized. While the cost is a premium compared to walking into a local bank or shipping store, the value offered by its 24/7 availability and robust, legally-compliant process is well worth the price for many users. The positive feedback seen in many Notarize reviews, combined with its A+ BBB rating through Proof.com, confirms its status as a trusted and reliable provider.
For anyone needing a document notarized quickly and without leaving their home or office, Notarize is an excellent choice. It delivers on its promise of making notarization simple, secure, and accessible for the modern world. The platform’s strong legal foundation and advanced security protocols should put to rest any concerns about its legitimacy or the validity of the documents it processes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Notarize with Proof
Can I write my own will and have it notarized?
Yes, in many states you can write your own will (a holographic will) and have it notarized using a service like Notarize. However, laws regarding wills and estates are complex and vary by state, so consulting with an attorney is highly recommended to ensure your will is valid and enforceable.
Is Notarize.com legit?
Yes, Notarize.com (now operating as part of Proof.com) is a legitimate and well-established company that provides legally binding remote online notarizations in compliance with U.S. state laws.
Is a document notarized by Notarize legally binding?
Absolutely. A document that is properly notarized on the Notarize platform is legally valid and enforceable in all 50 states due to interstate recognition laws that honor official acts performed in other states.
Is Notarize.com safe to use?
Yes, the platform is safe. It uses bank-grade security measures, including encrypted connections, robust identity verification processes, and a secure, auditable record of every notarial act, making it a very secure option.
How is a notarized document different from a certified one?
Notarization verifies the identity of the person signing a document. Certification, on the other hand, typically refers to a certified copy, where an official confirms that a copy of an original document (like a birth certificate) is true and accurate.
How much does Notarize charge?
Notarize typically charges a flat fee of $25 for a single document’s first notary seal. Additional seals during the same session usually cost $15 each.
What technology do I need to use Notarize?
You will need a computer or smartphone with a camera and microphone, a current web browser, and a stable internet connection. You will also need a valid government-issued photo ID.