Importance of a Credible Online Notary
- Monique Edwards-Robinson
- 7 days ago
- 3 min read
A credible online notary is a commissioned notary who uses approved, secure platforms, follows Virginia legal requirements, applies tamper-evident digital seals, and maintains detailed electronic records of every session—ensuring documents are legally valid and accepted by courts, title companies, and businesses.
Trust is at the heart of notarization. Not all online notaries are created equal. Choosing a credible online notary ensures documents are legally valid, secure, and accepted by courts and institutions. For attorneys managing client transactions, real estate professionals coordinating closings, and businesses handling critical documents, credibility matters far more than convenience. A credible notary protects the integrity of every transaction and prevents costly delays or rejections down the line.
What Makes an Online Notary Credible?
A credible online notary goes far beyond simply having a webcam and a commission. Here are the key markers of a trustworthy professional:
Approved Platforms & Technology – Uses MISMO-compliant, industry-standard platforms that meet Virginia law requirements and financial institution standards.
Multi-Factor Identity Verification – Verifies signer identity using Knowledge-Based Authentication (KBA), credential analysis, and visual verification during live video sessions to prevent fraud.
Tamper-Evident Digital Seals – Applies digital notarization seals that show clear evidence if any document is altered after notarization.
Detailed Electronic Records – Maintains comprehensive electronic journals and session recordings for every notarization, creating a permanent audit trail for compliance and dispute resolution.
Compliance with Virginia Law – Stays current with Virginia notary regulations and RON requirements, ensuring every notarization meets legal standards.
Why Credibility Matters
When documents aren't notarized properly, they face rejection by courts, title companies, lenders, and businesses—costing time, money, and trust.
Real-world example:
A title company once experienced a closing delay because documents were notarized using an unapproved process. The lender rejected the package, requiring re-notarization and pushing the closing back weeks. By contrast, a Virginia online notary who follows proper standards ensures documents are accepted on the first submission.
For Attorneys: Improper notarization can undermine client cases and create liability. A credible notary protects your work product.
For Real Estate Professionals: Rejected documents delay closings, frustrate clients, and damage your reputation. Credibility ensures smooth transactions.
For Businesses: Improperly notarized corporate documents may be challenged or rejected by regulators, lenders, or courts. A credible notary safeguards transaction validity and compliance.
What Happens When Credibility Is Missing?
Using an uncredible or unapproved notary can trigger:
Document Rejection: Courts, lenders, and title companies refuse to accept improperly notarized documents.
Transaction Delays: Re-notarization required, pushing closings back days or weeks.
Financial Loss: Carrying costs, lost opportunities, and re-processing fees add up quickly.
Legal Liability: Attorneys and businesses face potential claims if documents are later challenged.
Compliance Risk: Improper notarization may violate Virginia law or lender requirements, triggering regulatory scrutiny.
A credible online notary eliminates these risks by ensuring every document meets legal standards and institutional requirements from the start.
Our Credibility Standards
At MER Notary Services, credibility is non-negotiable. Here's how we maintain the highest standards:
CNTDA Certification: The Certified Notary Trust Delivery Agent credential demonstrates advanced expertise in estate planning, trusts, and high-stakes transactions.
MISMO-Compliant Platforms: All notarizations use industry-standard, secure platforms that meet Virginia law and institutional requirements.
Multi-Factor Identity Verification: Every session includes KBA, credential analysis, and visual verification to prevent fraud.
Comprehensive Record Keeping: Electronic journals and session recordings are retained for 5 years, providing full audit trails for compliance and dispute resolution.
Continuous Education: Annual training on Virginia notary law, RON best practices, and compliance updates.
When you choose MER Notary Services, you're choosing a partner committed to document validity, legal compliance, and your transaction success.
Verify Acceptance Before Scheduling
Virginia law recognizes remote online notarization as legally valid. Most courts, lenders, title companies, and institutions accept electronically notarized documents from credible providers. However, acceptance policies vary by institution and document type. Before scheduling, verify with the relevant court, lender, or title company that electronic notarizations are accepted for your specific documents and situation
Ready to work with a credible, trusted online notary? Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to discuss your notarization needs.
Have questions about notary credibility or our certifications? Contact us to learn more about how we ensure document validity and compliance.
Monique Edwards-Robinson
MER Notary Services
757.737.5363
Disclaimer: MER Notary Services provides notarization only and does not provide legal advice.
Please consult an attorney regarding your specific situation.
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