A growing number of states is taking aim at online webcam notarization's, declaring them illegal because signers are not physically present before the Notary.
Ohio and Oregon recently became the latest states to issue alerts on their websites reminding Notaries that webcam notarizations are not permitted and that signers must appear in person before a Notary in order to have documents lawfully notarized.
"Appearance with a Notary Public via webcam does not meet the requirements of a valid notarization under Ohio las," a scam alert posted on Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine's blog warns.
The alert on the Oregon Secretary of State's website warns that a video image or other form of non-physical representation does not meet the state's personal appearance requirements and cautions Oregon Notaries that participating in webcam notarizations could lead to possible administrative, criminal or civil penalties.
In recent months, a growing number of U.S. states and territories-- including New Jersey, Colorado, Nevada, Rhode Island, Wisconsin, Oklahoma, the Northern Marianas and California -- have declared that using webcams for notarial acts is illegal.
Thanks to the The National Notary Magazine for this information!
