Becoming a remote notary in Iowa is a valuable way to expand your notary services in the digital age. Remote notarization allows you to perform notarial acts for clients over the internet, providing convenience and efficiency. This guide will walk you through the steps to becoming a remote notary in Iowa and the requirements you must meet. Additionally, you’ll learn about the legal status of remote notarization in the state.
Requirements to Become a Notary in Iowa
Before you can apply to become a remote notary in Iowa, you must first meet the basic requirements to be a traditional notary. These include:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Be a resident of Iowa or an Iowa-bordering state and have a regular place of work or business in Iowa.
- Be able to read and write English.
- Have no felony convictions or any crimes involving dishonesty.
If you meet these requirements, you can apply to become a traditional notary. Once approved, you can move on to becoming a remote notary.
Steps to Becoming a Remote Notary in Iowa
Follow these steps to become a remote notary in Iowa:
1. Complete Your Notary Commission
If you’re not already a commissioned notary in Iowa, the first step is to apply for a notary commission through the Iowa Secretary of State’s office. You’ll need to submit your application, along with a filing fee, and complete any required training. Once you’re approved as a traditional notary, you can apply to perform remote notarizations.
2. Choose an Approved Remote Notarization Platform
Iowa law requires remote notaries to use an approved platform that allows for secure, two-way audio-visual communication. This platform must also verify the identity of the signer using approved methods such as knowledge-based authentication (KBA) or credential analysis. Some of the platforms you may consider include:
- DocuSign
- Notarize
- SignNow
3. Apply to Become a Remote Notary
After selecting your platform, you need to apply for remote notary status through the Iowa Secretary of State. You’ll be required to provide information about the platform you’re using, ensuring that it meets the state’s security and authentication requirements.
The application process typically involves submitting documentation online, and you may need to pay an additional fee for remote notarization privileges.
4. Complete Required Training (If Applicable)
In some cases, you may need to complete additional training or certification to ensure you’re familiar with the requirements of remote notarization in Iowa. Check with the Iowa Secretary of State’s office for any updates on required training.
5. Start Performing Remote Notarial Acts
Once your application is approved, you’ll be able to perform remote notarizations using your chosen platform. Be sure to keep detailed records of each notarization, as Iowa law requires you to maintain an electronic journal of all remote notarial acts.
Legal Status of Remote Notarization in Iowa
It’s important to understand the legal framework surrounding remote notarization in Iowa. Before getting started, be sure to review the legal status of remote notary in Iowa. This will help ensure you’re operating within the bounds of state laws and regulations.
Becoming a remote notary in Iowa is an excellent way to expand your services and meet the needs of clients who prefer digital notarizations. By following the steps outlined in this guide and ensuring compliance with Iowa’s legal requirements, you can successfully offer remote notary services. Make sure to stay up-to-date on any changes to Iowa’s remote notarization laws by regularly reviewing updates from the Secretary of State’s office.