Becoming a remote notary in Kansas allows you to offer your notarial services online, providing convenience for clients who need documents notarized digitally. This guide outlines the steps you need to follow to become a remote notary in Kansas, ensuring compliance with state regulations and legal requirements.
Basic Requirements to Become a Notary in Kansas
Before applying to become a remote notary in Kansas, you must first be a traditional commissioned notary public. Here are the basic requirements to qualify as a notary in Kansas:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Be a legal resident of Kansas.
- Have no felony convictions or criminal record involving dishonesty.
- Be able to read and write in English.
After meeting these qualifications and becoming a commissioned notary, you can move forward with the process of becoming a remote notary.
Steps to Become a Remote Notary in Kansas
Here are the steps you need to follow to become a remote notary in Kansas:
1. Obtain Your Notary Commission
To begin, ensure that you are a commissioned notary public in Kansas. If you’re not yet commissioned, you’ll need to apply through the Kansas Secretary of State’s office. This process involves submitting an application, paying a fee, and fulfilling any training requirements that may be necessary for your notary commission.
2. Select a Remote Notarization Platform
Kansas requires remote notaries to use approved platforms that facilitate secure, two-way audio-visual communication for the notarization process. Additionally, the platform must offer methods for verifying the identity of the signer, such as knowledge-based authentication (KBA) or credential analysis. Some popular platforms for remote notarization include:
- Notarize
- DocuSign
- SignNow
3. Apply for Remote Notary Authorization
After selecting your platform, you need to apply for remote notary authorization through the Kansas Secretary of State. The application will require you to provide details about the remote notarization platform you plan to use, ensuring that it meets the state’s requirements for security and signer authentication.
The application process might also involve an additional fee to enable remote notarization privileges in Kansas.
4. Complete Any Required Training
Some remote notaries may be required to undergo specific training related to the technology and legal aspects of remote notarization. Check with the Kansas Secretary of State to ensure you complete any necessary training before performing remote notarial acts.
5. Begin Performing Remote Notarial Acts
Once your application for remote notarization is approved, you can start performing remote notarial acts. Ensure you maintain proper records, as Kansas requires remote notaries to keep an electronic journal of all notarizations performed remotely. Follow all state regulations for secure communication and identity verification during the notarization process.
Legal Status of Remote Notarization in Kansas
It’s crucial to understand the legal framework for remote notarization in Kansas before getting started. Make sure to review the legal status of remote notarization in Kansas to ensure compliance with the state’s laws and regulations.
By following these steps, you can become a remote notary in Kansas and provide your clients with the convenience of digital notarizations. Remote notarization is a growing field, and staying compliant with Kansas laws is essential to ensure that your services are valid and legally binding. Make sure to regularly review any updates from the Kansas Secretary of State regarding remote notarization regulations.