So you have looked at all the positives and have decided that you want to be a Remote Online Notary. That’s fantastic! But wait…… While RON is an amazing field of notarization and it appears the sky’s the limit, here is a list (granted shorter than the pro’s list) of possible drawbacks that can come along with being a RON Notary. Let’s dive into the top 8 reasons being a RON Notary can be difficult ….
Differing Technical Abilities - Whether it is you or your client, having a working comfort with technology is probably the biggest factor in your success as a RON Agent. You will be working with clients of different ages and backgrounds, differing technical aptitudes, and a wide array of different devices. A good RON must have a comfort level with their own technical abilities and a good working knowledge of what the clients may be encountering. When you become a Remote Online Notary, not only will you be a Notary, but you will also become a part-time tech support agent.
Not All Documents Work - While it may feel like the opportunities are limitless, there are a few documents that just don’t work with Online Notarization. Last Will and Testaments can be tough, as most states want pen to paper. The same is true for Notes when it comes to lending. While that’s not to say they can’t be done, these can be sticking points that you may encounter. As well, single one-off documents can sometimes be cost prohibitive given what you are allowed to charge by state mandate and then subtracting the cost of your platform and payment processing company.
Lack of Understanding - While Remote Notarization has been on the scene for a while now, there are still TONS of people that have never heard of it and never encountered this new technology. It’s all about teaching people about what you do and how it is legal. But keep in mind that ultimately it’s up to the recipient of the document as to whether or not they feel comfortable accepting an electronically notarized document. While it may be legal, it may not always be “acceptable” to the end-user.
Potential For Fraud - Unfortunately, just like so many other fields in today’s world, there is the potential for fraud. While it may be more difficult to pass Knowledge Based Assessment (KBA) and “trick” credential analysis, it is not impossible to do so. The biggest area of concern is when it comes to immediate family. Think of your parents, spouse or kids. If you have been with any of these people for a long time (or literally a lifetime in your parents/kids case), you could probably very easily take and pass your loved one’s KBA. It is especially critical that you check for understanding when it comes to elderly signers so as to ward off any potential for abuse!
Areas With Limited Access - Certain places just won’t work with Remote Online Notary. There are many areas with poor internet connectivity. People trying to sign from work on their lunch breaks can sometimes be behind fairly strong firewalls or software that prevents ease of access to the outside world. Ad-blockers and other programs “fighting” for the camera can cause issues. And then there are locales and governments that create their own issues for the signers. The Great Firewall of China would be an excellent example of a place with access restrictions that cannot always be overcome.
Lacking Credit History (or Too Much Credit History) - KBA (the five-question, multiple choice quiz signers have to pass in a 2-minute timed test) is not always able to be easily done. A soft credit pull is typically performed to compile these questions. This can be an issue for the very young that have no credit, the elderly that don't like to use credit, the spouse of the person who put everything in their own name or the expatriate that hasn’t lived in the country for 40 years. Conversely, an investor that has had hundreds of properties in their name can be equally confused by too many questions about properties and locations they only held for a limited time. All of these people can have difficulty with KBA.
Knowledge as a Notary Before Being a RON - Before you become a Remote Online Notary, it is imperative that you first know how to be a Notary. As mentioned before, this is new territory for most people and, at least in the beginning, it will be new for you too. If you do not fully understand the difference between an Acknowledgement and a Jurat, or you are not quick at scanning through a document to look for blanks or problem spots, you could be setting yourself up for disaster. While learning on the job is part of the territory, knowing the most basic aspects of being a Notary first is very important.
Upfront Expenses and State Maximum Fees - The up-front costs may be many in the beginning (digital certificates, platform fees, state fees, licensure, E&O insurance, etc.) and could be cost-prohibitive for some Notaries. These initial expenses may be a big bite to chew off in the beginning. And, unfortunately in some states, the Secretary of State further ties your hands by dictating the maximum amount you can charge for your services. Sometimes the amount allowed by law won’t even cover your expenses. It is imperative that you crunch the number FIRST before you crunch by the numbers.
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