Most people don’t need to know all the technical differences between notarization types—they just need to know what will work for their situation. This page is here to help you choose the right option in a simple, clear way.
If you’re unsure, I can always help you decide before your appointment so everything is set up correctly.
If you need convenience or can’t meet in person
Remote Online Notarization (RON)
RON allows you to complete your notarization online using a secure, state-approved platform.
This may be a good fit if:
You prefer to stay at home or are located outside the area
You need flexibility with scheduling or travel isn’t ideal
Your document recipient accepts online notarization
What to expect:
A live video session with the notary
Secure identity verification
A completed notarization without meeting in person
A stable internet connection and a device with a camera and microphone are required.
If you want to meet in person but prefer digital paperwork
In-Person Electronic Notarization (IPEN)
IPEN is completed face-to-face, but the documents are signed electronically instead of on paper.
This may be a good fit if:
You prefer in-person interaction
You want a paperless process
Your documents allow electronic signatures
If your document requires ink signatures or original paperwork
Traditional Notarization
This is the standard in-person notarization using physical documents and ink signatures.
This may be required if:
Your document specifically requires original paper signatures
The receiving party does not accept electronic notarization
You are completing a traditional paperwork process
If your documents involve multiple formats or steps
Hybrid Notarization
Some situations involve a combination of electronic and paper-based requirements.
This may apply when:
Part of the document is electronic and part is physical
Different parties require different notarization formats
A document package has mixed requirements
Requirements can vary depending on the document and the receiving party.
What matters most when choosing
If you’re unsure which option applies, here are the main things that determine the correct choice:
What the receiving party requires (this is the most important factor)
Whether your document allows electronic notarization
Your preference for in-person vs online completion
Identity verification requirements
When in doubt, it’s always okay to ask before booking—I’m happy to help point you in the right direction.
What happens next
Once you submit a request, I review your information and help confirm the correct notarization type for your situation. From there, I’ll provide available appointment options so everything can be completed smoothly and correctly.
A quick note
Not all documents or organizations accept every notarization format. Confirming requirements ahead of time helps avoid delays or rescheduling.
If you’re unsure, I’m always happy to help you sort it out before your appointment.
Please read these Terms of Service carefully before scheduling a Remote Online Notarization session.
1. Services Provided
Field & Hearth Company provides Remote Online Notarization (RON) services in accordance with applicable Ohio law.
All notarizations are performed using secure, Secretary of State approved platforms.
2. Appointment Scheduling
All appointments are scheduled by email agreement. Submitting a request does not guarantee an appointment time.
A session is considered confirmed once both parties agree on a date and time and you receive access instructions for the notarization platform.
3. Technology Fee
A $10 non-refundable technology fee is required to initiate a Remote Online Notarization session.
This fee covers the notaryâs time and the use of secure technology required to perform the notarization.
The technology fee applies once a session is initiated and is non-refundable, even if the session cannot be completed.
Platform providers may charge separate identity verification or service fees.
4. Signer Responsibilities
By scheduling a session, you agree to the following:
You understand the document you are signing and are signing willingly.
You are responsible for ensuring the document is correct and appropriate for your intended use.
You will confirm that the receiving party accepts Remote Online Notarization.
You will provide valid, acceptable identification.
You will have access to the email account used to schedule your session.
5. Document Requirements
Documents must be complete and ready for notarization prior to the session.
No blank spaces unless intentionally left for signatures, initials, or dates.
No significant alterations, whiteout, or illegible content.
Documents must be clear and readable.
The notary does not prepare, edit, or complete documents.
6. No Legal Advice
Field & Hearth Company is not a law firm. The notary is not an attorney and cannot provide legal advice, explain legal terms, or assist in selecting or completing documents.
7. Technology Requirements
You must have the following to complete a Remote Online Notarization session:
A stable internet connection
A device with a working camera and microphone
The ability to participate in a live audio and video session
Valid identification that meets platform requirements
Sessions are conducted in English only.
8. Session Interruption
If a session is disconnected and cannot be quickly restored, the session must be restarted from the beginning, including identity verification, in accordance with legal requirements.
9. Payment
Payment is due at the completion of the session unless otherwise arranged in advance.
Accepted payment methods include major credit cards. Business invoicing may be available upon request.
10. Record Retention
Remote Online Notarization sessions are recorded and retained as required by law.
Records may be maintained by the notary, the platform provider, and authorized state repositories.
11. Limitation of Liability
Field & Hearth Company is not responsible for the content, legality, or effectiveness of any document notarized.
The notaryâs role is limited to verifying identity and witnessing signatures in accordance with applicable law.
12. Agreement
By scheduling and participating in a Remote Online Notarization session, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to these Terms of Service.
Please review this disclosure carefully. By proceeding with a Remote Online Notarization session, you agree to conduct business electronically.
1. Consent to Electronic Notarization
You agree to participate in a Remote Online Notarization (RON) session using electronic documents, electronic signatures, and a secure online platform.
This process replaces the need for in-person notarization.
2. Audio and Video Recording
Remote Online Notarization sessions are conducted through live audio and video communication.
The session will be recorded as required by law and retained for the legally required retention period.
By participating in the session, you consent to being recorded.
3. Identity Verification
Your identity will be verified using methods required by the notarization platform, which may include credential analysis and knowledge-based authentication (KBA).
You agree to provide valid identification and complete all required identity verification steps.
4. Technology Requirements
To participate in a Remote Online Notarization session, you must have:
A reliable internet connection
A device with a functioning camera and microphone
The ability to participate in a live audio and video session
Access to your email account to receive session links and completed documents
Failure to meet these requirements may result in an incomplete session.
5. Access to Documents
After your session is completed, your notarized documents will be made available through the platform used for your session and may also be delivered by email.
You are responsible for accessing and securely storing your completed documents.
6. Right to Decline Electronic Services
You have the right to decline to use electronic notarization. If you do not wish to proceed electronically, you should not schedule a Remote Online Notarization session.
7. Responsibility to Confirm Acceptance
Remote Online Notarization is legally valid in all U.S. states and territories. However, it is your responsibility to confirm that the receiving party will accept an electronically notarized document.
8. Session Limitations
The notary must be able to see and communicate with you clearly throughout the session.
If audio or video communication is disrupted and cannot be quickly restored, the session may need to be restarted.
9. Agreement
By scheduling and participating in a Remote Online Notarization session, you acknowledge that:
You consent to the use of electronic records and signatures
You consent to audio and video recording of the session
You understand the technology requirements
You agree to complete identity verification as required
Your privacy is important. This policy explains how information is collected, used, and protected when using Remote Online Notarization services.
1. Information Collected
Information may be collected in order to provide Remote Online Notarization services, including:
Name and contact information (such as email address)
Identification information required for notarization
Documents provided for notarization
Audio and video recordings of the notarization session
Transaction details such as date, time, and type of notarization
2. How Information Is Used
Information is used solely for the purpose of:
Performing notarial acts in compliance with applicable law
Verifying identity through approved methods
Maintaining required notarial records
Communicating regarding your appointment and completed documents
3. Platform and Third-Party Services
Remote Online Notarization sessions are conducted using secure, Secretary of State approved platforms.
These platforms may independently collect and process information necessary to complete identity verification and notarization services.
Each platform maintains its own privacy and security policies.
4. Record Retention
Notarial records, including audio and video recordings, are retained as required by law.
Records may be securely stored by the notary, the platform provider, and authorized state repositories for the legally required retention period.
5. Information Sharing
Information is not sold or shared for marketing purposes.
Information may be disclosed only when required by law or permitted under applicable regulations, such as:
In response to a lawful subpoena or court order
To authorized government agencies or regulatory bodies
To maintain compliance with notarial recordkeeping requirements
Certain notarial records may be accessible to authorized parties as permitted by law.
6. Your Responsibility
You are responsible for protecting your own personal information.
Please avoid sharing sensitive details related to your notarization session with individuals you do not trust.
7. Data Security
Reasonable measures are taken to protect your information through the use of secure platforms and standard business practices.
However, no system can be guaranteed to be completely secure.
8. Contact
If you have any questions regarding this Privacy Policy, you may contact:
Field & Hearth Company
Akron, Ohio
amy@fieldandhearthcompany.com