Digital Certificates
Digital Certificates for
Electronic and Remote Notarization
A digital certificate is an electronic credential that verifies the identity of the notary and securely connects that identity to the notary’s digital signature. When applied to an electronic document, it helps protect the document from unauthorized changes and allows others to verify whether the document has been altered after it was signed.
A digital certificate is different from an electronic signature and an electronic notary seal. The digital certificate provides the security technology behind the digital signature, while the electronic seal displays the notary’s commission information as required by the notary’s state.
Requirements for electronic notarization and Remote Online Notarization vary by state. Before purchasing a digital certificate, confirm:
- That you are properly commissioned and authorized to perform electronic or remote notarizations in your state
- Whether your state requires a specific type of digital certificate
- Whether your selected RON platform accepts an independently purchased certificate
- Which certificate type or assurance level the platform requires
- That the name on your certificate application exactly matches the name on your notary commission
IdenTrust offers identity-based digital certificates that are compatible with many RON platforms. However, acceptance and certificate requirements may differ by state, platform, or organization.
Click here to review and purchase an IdenTrust Digital Certificate.
View step-by-step purchasing instructions.
Important: Always review the requirements of your state’s notary commissioning authority and your chosen RON platform before purchasing a digital certificate. Digital certificates may be nonrefundable, and a mismatch between the certificate name and your commissioned name may make the certificate unusable.
