What are the risks of using a Remote Notary?
Online notarization has made signing important documents faster and more accessible than ever. With just a few clicks, you can meet with a state-commissioned notary through a secure video session and get your critical paperwork completed from anywhere in the world.
But while the convenience is real, it’s a sign of a diligent client to ask: 👉 What are the risks of using a remote notary?
The truth is, the technology itself is safer than traditional notarization because of the embedded security. The real risk lies in choosing an unqualified provider.
Let’s look at the most common concerns and detail how Starr Notary LLC eliminates these risks, ensuring you stay protected when notarizing online in Ohio.
🕵️♂️ 1. Risk of Invalid Identity Verification
A remote notarization is only valid if the notary can definitively prove your identity. The risk here is using a platform or notary that cuts corners on identity checks.
- The Ohio Law Standard: Ohio law requires a stringent, two-step verification process to prevent fraud:
If these steps aren't followed precisely, the notarization could be invalid, leading to rejection by banks, courts, or title companies, and potentially opening the door to identity fraud.
✅ Starr Notary LLC's Safety Solution: We use only State of Ohio-approved platforms that perform mandatory, multi-factor authentication and credential analysis. Our notaries are specially trained to visually confirm identity and witness the KBA completion, ensuring full compliance with Ohio Revised Code 147.
💻 2. Technology & Data Security Risks
Remote notarization platforms handle highly sensitive personal data (driver’s license images, legal documents). The risk is using an unsecure or non-compliant platform that is vulnerable to data breaches.
- The Ohio Record Retention Law: According to ORC 147.65, Ohio online notaries must securely create and maintain a complete audio-video recording of the entire notarial act, along with an electronic journal. These records must be protected from unauthorized use and stored for a minimum period of ten years.
If your provider uses a basic, unencrypted video service or fails to securely store these records, your personal data and the integrity of your notarized document are at risk.
✅ Starr Notary LLC's Safety Solution: At Starr Notary LLC, all online sessions are conducted on encrypted, state-of-the-art RON platforms. We manage the secure storage, backup, and audit trail of your transaction and its required audio-video recording in strict compliance with the 10-year requirement under Ohio law, safeguarding your data from beginning to end.
✍️ 3. Risk of Document Rejection or Tampering
Even if the notarization is technically valid, a document can still be rejected if the digital integrity is compromised after the fact.
- Document Tampering Risk: A document notarized online is a tamper-evident PDF with an embedded digital seal and certificate. If this PDF is altered, even accidentally (e.g., printed and re-scanned, or modified with editing software), the digital security features will break, and the receiving party's verification software will flag it as compromised.
✅ Starr Notary LLC's Safety Solution: We emphasize client education. We specifically instruct you to submit the original, secure PDF file to the receiving party (bank, title company, etc.)—not a printed or altered copy. This ensures the digital certificate and audit trail we provide are preserved, virtually eliminating the risk of rejection due to tampering.
🌐 4. Risk of Fraudulent Notaries & Impersonation
While the technology reduces signer fraud, the risk of a notary acting without a proper commission or authority still exists.
- Impersonation Risk: Scammers sometimes pose as notaries online or on social media to steal personal information or charge money for invalid services.
✅ Starr Notary LLC's Safety Solution: We operate with complete transparency. Every notary at Starr Notary LLC is fully commissioned by the Ohio Secretary of State as an authorized Remote Online Notary (RON). You can always verify our status (or any Ohio notary's status) directly at the source:
🕒 5. Risk of Technical Failure & Frustration
The most common frustration is technical failure (internet drop, platform crash). While this isn't a legal risk, it's a major time risk.
- Time Loss Risk: If your internet connection or hardware fails mid-session, the notarization is invalid, and you must start the identity verification and notarization process over, leading to delays.
✅ Starr Notary LLC's Safety Solution: We help you minimize this risk by providing clear pre-session instructions on optimizing your environment (stable Wi-Fi, functioning camera/mic, quiet space). Our specialized RON platform is chosen for its stability, and our team is trained to handle and quickly reschedule any unforeseen technical interruptions with minimal fuss.
💼 Why Starr Notary LLC Is the Safest Choice for Remote Notarization
When you choose Starr Notary LLC, you are not just getting a notary; you are hiring a local Ohio professional who is committed to the highest standards of security and compliance.
Our Ohio-commissioned online notaries adhere to strict protocols that eliminate the risks mentioned above:
- Verified ID + KBA Authentication: No shortcuts taken on identity.
- Secure, State-Approved RON Technology: Fully encrypted audio/video sessions.
- Tamper-Proof Documents: Digital seal and certificate ensures document integrity.
- 10-Year Record Retention: Securely stored audit trails per Ohio Revised Code 147.
- Local Cleveland Expertise: We understand both the technology and the local/state legal requirements for document acceptance by institutions in Northeast Ohio.
The Bottom Line: Remote notarization is the modern, legal, and secure future of signing documents—when done correctly. The real risk isn’t the technology, it’s using the wrong provider.
When you choose Starr Notary LLC, you’re choosing a guaranteed, legally compliant, and secure experience.
👉 Book your secure online notarization today:
Frequently Asked Questions About RON Security
Is the audio-video recording of my session secure from the public?
Yes. The video recording is part of the official notarial record and is considered private data. Starr Notary LLC stores these recordings on secure, encrypted servers, and they are only released under legal requirements (like a court subpoena) or to the Secretary of State for audit purposes, as mandated by ORC 147.
I have a document that requires witnesses. Can a remote notary still be used?
Yes, Ohio law permits remote witnesses in certain circumstances. This process adds an extra layer of complexity, as the witnesses must also undergo identity verification (though often not KBA). If your document requires witnesses, please notify Starr Notary LLC when booking so we can ensure the proper, compliant multi-party RON setup is used.
Can a remote notary detect if I am being forced to sign a document (signing under duress)?
A core duty of any notary (in-person or remote) is to ensure the signer is acting willingly. The RON platform’s required full-session video recording actually provides better evidence against visible duress than a paper journal entry. Our notaries are trained to watch for signs of coercion during the session, and if duress is suspected, the notary is legally required to stop the act immediately.
Does Starr Notary LLC use a mobile app for online notarization, and is it secure?
We utilize state-approved RON platforms that are accessible via desktop browser and often offer secure, encrypted mobile apps. These platforms employ the same level of encryption and multi-factor authentication as the desktop version, making notarization on your smartphone or tablet a highly secure and convenient option.
Is it safe to provide my driver’s license and answer KBA questions online?
Yes, it is safe, provided you are using a state-approved RON platform. The KBA questions are based on non-public data (like previous addresses or loan amounts) that only you should know, providing a strong security layer. Starr Notary LLC uses platforms that securely handle your ID and encrypt the KBA transaction, ensuring your sensitive data is protected from unauthorized access.
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