Electronic Notary
An electronic notary (eNotary) is a commissioned notary public authorized to perform notarial acts using electronic signatures and an electronic notarial seal, as permitted by state law.
What it means
An eNotary performs the same identity verification and witnessing functions as a traditional notary but uses electronic tools. The notary applies a digital notarial seal (a certificate-based signature) to the document rather than a physical embossed or ink stamp. eNotarization can be in-person (IPEN) using electronic tools at the same location, or remote (RON) using audio-visual technology.
Why it matters for e-signatures
Documents submitted through SignOwl that require notarization can be routed to an eNotary, enabling a fully digital transaction. The eNotary's digital seal is embedded in the PDF alongside the signer's signature, creating a complete electronic execution record.
Related terms
Frequently asked questions
Is an eNotary stamp legally equivalent to a physical notary stamp?
In states with eNotarization laws, yes. The eNotary's digital seal carries the same legal effect as a physical seal. Acceptance varies for documents used internationally.
What is the difference between an eNotary and a RON notary?
An eNotary uses electronic tools but may still require in-person presence. A RON notary specifically performs notarizations remotely via video, which is a subset of electronic notarization.
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