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As someone who regularly handles legal documents, I understand the hassles involved with traditional notarization processes. That's where electronic notary software steps in; this tool also enables e-notarization, empowering you to authenticate a wide range of documents—your power of attorney, contracts, or any legal documentation—straight from your mobile device or computer.

You can use remote notarization to authenticate documents, support digital signing, and perform closings without handling paper documents or swiping credit cards. With this technology, notaries in some locations can even offer remote online notary services using a webcam.

What Is Electronic Notary Software?

Electronic notary software is a digital tool designed to facilitate online notarization, transforming the traditional, in-person procedure into a modern, remote operation. This software gets utilized by public notaries, legal professionals, business entities, and individuals who need to get documents notarized.

These users employ electronic notary software for various purposes, including affirming the parties’ identity, capturing their consent electronically, creating and affixing a digital seal to the documents, paperless eClosings, and maintaining a secure, auditable record of the entire notarial act. Therefore, such software enhances efficiency, fosters compliance, and ensures the validity of notarized documents in a digitized world.

Best Electronic Notary Software Summary

Best Electronic Notary Software Reviews

Best for real-time session recording

  • Free demo available
  • From $49/month

OneNotary is an online platform that lets you get documents notarized remotely through a secure video call. It works for individuals and businesses across the U.S., offering legally valid notarizations without needing to meet in person. 

Why I Picked OneNotary: I picked OneNotary because it offers a robust identity verification system, including AI-powered ID checks and knowledge-based authentication to prevent fraud. It also records each session, creating a secure audit trail if you ever need to verify the details of a signing. Additionally, the platform provides immediate access to notarized documents, so you can download your files right after the session, making it convenient for busy professionals.

Standout Features & Integrations:

Other features include a built-in scheduling system that lets you set up appointments with notaries at your convenience. The platform also supports various document types, such as PDFs and images, so you can upload most files without issue. 

OneNotary integrates with Clio and provides a REST API to connect with your existing systems.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Utilizes multi-step verification
  • Capable of notarizing various legal documents
  • Notarized documents are accessible immediately

Cons:

  • Not ideal for documents that can't be notarized remotely
  • Extra charges apply for additional signers, seals, or witnesses

Best for legal teams needing an eDiscovery platform with notary functionality

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request.
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Rating: 4.7/5

Everlaw is an advanced legal technology platform that combines eDiscovery with notary services. Its comprehensive suite of tools allows legal professionals to discover, review, and notarize documents in an integrated environment, making it best for legal teams needing an eDiscovery platform with notary functionality.

Why I Picked Everlaw: I chose Everlaw for this list because it offers a unique blend of eDiscovery and notary services tailored specifically for legal professionals. This distinct combination sets Everlaw apart from many other tools in the market. Because of its specialized features, I deem Everlaw to be 'Best for...' legal teams that require an eDiscovery platform with notary functionality.

Standout Features & Integrations:

Everlaw offers an intuitive document review interface, predictive coding for automated classification, and notary services to authenticate documents. It also provides visual analytics to help users understand data trends in their legal cases.

The platform offers integrations with several data sources like email servers, cloud storage, and social media platforms, enabling seamless import and export of documents for discovery and notary processes.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • A broad range of integrations with data sources.
  • Provides visual analytics for better case understanding.
  • Offers eDiscovery and notary services in one platform.

Cons:

  • Limited support for some file types.
  • The tool may have a learning curve for non-legal professionals.
  • Pricing is not publicly disclosed.

Best for businesses needing a notary tool integrated with a broad set of signing workflows

  • 30-day free trial
  • From $10/user/month
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Rating: 4.5/5

DocuSign provides an all-in-one platform for digital transactions, complete with e-signature capabilities, document preparation, and notary functionality. Its strength lies in facilitating a wide range of signing workflows, making it ideal for businesses that require a notary tool in synergy with diverse document processing requirements.

Why I Picked DocuSign: DocuSign earned its spot on this list for its robust integration of notary services with a broad set of signing workflows. The combination of these capabilities provides a level of versatility that sets it apart, reinforcing my conviction that it is 'Best for...' businesses needing a notary tool that can smoothly operate within a vast range of document signing processes.

Standout Features & Integrations:

DocuSign stands out for its advanced e-signature capabilities, contract lifecycle management, and notary functions. The platform also provides customizable templates, automated workflows, and advanced authentication methods to ensure secure and legally binding documents.

As for integrations, DocuSign works well with popular productivity apps such as Salesforce, Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Dropbox, and more, enabling seamless document processing and workflow management across multiple platforms.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Offers advanced authentication methods for secure transactions.
  • Extensive integrations with major productivity apps.
  • A broad range of signing workflows integrated with notary services.

Cons:

  • Some users report a steep learning curve.
  • The complete feature set comes at a higher price.
  • Some features might be overkill for smaller businesses.

Best for law firms seeking a comprehensive practice management software with notary functions

  • Free demo available
  • From $60/user/month (billed annually)
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Rating: 3.8/5

ActionStep is a full-featured legal practice management software that incorporates notary functions. It enables law firms to handle case management, billing, document automation, and notary tasks within a single system, thus making it best for law firms seeking a comprehensive practice management solution with notary functions.

Why I Picked ActionStep: I picked ActionStep for its comprehensive suite of features covering a law firm’s needs, from case management to notary services. This unified approach sets ActionStep apart from more fragmented tools and underpins my belief that it's 'Best for...' law firms seeking an all-in-one solution with notary functions.

Standout Features & Integrations:

ActionStep features an integrated case management system, document automation, accounting, time tracking, and notary functions. It also provides task lists and workflows to keep your law firm processes organized and efficient.

The platform integrates with popular software such as Microsoft Office, G Suite, Xero, and QuickBooks, facilitating seamless data exchange and enhancing productivity.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Features task lists and workflows for improved efficiency.
  • Comprehensive integrations with popular productivity tools.
  • All-in-one practice management software with notary functions.

Cons:

  • Annual billing may only be suitable for some firms.
  • It may require some training to utilize all features fully.
  • Priced higher than some other options.

Best for secure identity verification

  • Free trial available
  • From $49/month
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Rating: 4.9/5

Under.io is a platform designed for businesses in various sectors, offering tools to simplify the collection, management, and submission of agreements.

Why I Picked Under.io: Under.io's electronic notary software stands out with its focus on features like eSignatures and identity verification. These functionalities are crucial for ensuring that your notarial acts are both legally compliant and secure. With eSignature, you can facilitate remote document signing, which enhances the flexibility of your operations. Identity verification adds another layer of security by confirming the identities of all parties involved, which helps minimize fraud and legal risks. 

Standout Features & Integrations:

Other features include customizable signing workflows, allowing you to set up how documents get routed through your organization. You can also set signing orders, so you control the sequence in which documents get signed. The platform also supports document templates, saving you time if your team frequently sends out the same types of contracts.

Some integrations include Google Maps, Twilio, Plaid, KYC, HubSpot, and Salesforce.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Templates help with frequently used contracts, forms, and applications
  • Document verification ensures legal compliance
  • Customizable, no-code logic form-building

Cons:

  • Limited offline functionality
  • No mobile app

Good for those needing electronic notary and e-Signature services that comply with legal standards

  • From $20/user/month

DocVerify is an electronic and remote notary platform renowned for its vital uptime and excellent performance. It provides secure and efficient notarization services, making it ideal for users who prioritize reliability and system stability in their notary needs.

Why I Picked DocVerify: DocVerify caught my attention due to its reported high reliability and stellar performance. In selecting tools, it's crucial to consider the robustness and uptime of the system, and DocVerify stands out in these aspects. Hence, I think it is the 'Best for...' users who highly value reliable uptime and consistent performance.

Standout Features & Integrations:

DocVerify offers essential features like secure e-signatures, remote online notarization, and a dedicated e-notary platform. It also provides real-time verification of digital signatures and notarizations.

Regarding integrations, DocVerify meshes well with popular platforms like Salesforce, making it easy for users to blend their notary processes into their existing workflows. Additionally, it integrates with Wufoo, allowing embed notary services directly into forms.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Good integration capabilities.
  • Robust performance for efficient notarization.
  • High uptime ensures consistent access.

Cons:

  • More feature-rich than some other platforms.
  • The interface might be complex for some users.
  • Higher pricing than some competitors.

Best for integration with a wide range of document management systems

  • From $15/user/month

Secured Signing's eNotary is an electronic notary tool that stands out for its impressive integration capabilities with various document management systems. Its seamless synchronization with numerous platforms makes it the preferred choice for users seeking broad integration potential.

Why I Picked Secured Signing’s eNotary: I chose Secured Signing's eNotary for this list due to its exceptional capacity to integrate with various document management systems. This characteristic makes it stand out from other platforms, so I think it's the 'Best for...' user looking for superior integration capabilities.

Standout Features & Integrations:

Secured Signing's eNotary has various useful features, such as personalized electronic seals, easy upload and sharing of documents, and strong encryption for security.

On the integration front, this tool works well with a host of document management systems such as Dropbox, Google Drive, and Microsoft OneDrive, facilitating easy document access and sharing. It also integrates with CRM platforms such as Salesforce and Microsoft Dynamics, enhancing user experience and operational efficiency.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Personalized electronic seals for authentication.
  • Strong encryption for document security.
  • Wide range of integration options.

Cons:

  • The interface may not be as user-friendly as some other platforms.
  • Limited standalone features outside of integrations.
  • Slightly higher pricing compared to some competitors.

Best for comprehensive audit trails and record-keeping

  • From $10/user/month

ENotaryLog is an online notary platform providing thorough record-keeping, making it a top pick for those prioritizing total audit trails. The platform's ability to maintain detailed logs of notarial activities ensures complete transparency and accountability.

Why I Picked ENotaryLog: I selected ENotaryLog for this list because of its strong emphasis on record-keeping. Its comprehensive audit trails differentiate it from other tools in the market. Moreover, given these characteristics, I determined that ENotaryLog is 'Best for...' users who require detailed records of their notarial activities.

Standout Features & Integrations:

ENotaryLog impresses with its robust tracking capabilities. It also allows users to monitor every step of the notarization process, from the initial request to the final sign-off. Additionally, it provides real-time updates on notary activities.

As for integrations, ENotaryLog connects seamlessly with various document management systems, simplifying record-keeping. It also integrates with popular customer relationship management (CRM) systems, enhancing the user experience.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Real-time tracking of notarial activities.
  • Integration with popular CRM systems.
  • Comprehensive audit trail capabilities.

Cons:

  • Limited features outside of record-keeping and auditing.
  • Pricing may be higher compared to essential notary platforms.
  • It may require a learning curve for new users.

Best for its unique digitized seal technology

  • From $15/user/month

DigaSign is an electronic notary solution that takes pride in its unique digitized seal technology. This technology also makes DigaSign the ideal tool for notaries seeking a faithful replication of the traditional notary seal in a digital environment.

Why I Picked DigaSign: I chose DigaSign for this list because of its groundbreaking digitized seal technology, a feature that genuinely sets it apart from the competition. Not all electronic notary software successfully recreates the essence of the traditional notary seal - but DigaSign does, and it does it well. Thus, for notaries seeking a seamless transition from a conventional to a digital notary process, DigaSign is the 'best for' the job.

Standout Features & Integrations:

DigaSign's highlight feature is its unique digitized seal technology, which imparts authenticity to digital documents, similar to a traditional embossed seal. Its ability to accommodate various document formats enhances flexibility, while the intuitive user interface ensures ease of use.

As for integrations, DigaSign can work smoothly with a host of different document management systems. It is also compatible with many cloud storage providers, ensuring seamless workflow and secure and accessible storage for your notarized documents.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Compatibility with many document management systems and cloud storage providers.
  • Supports various document formats.
  • Unique digitized seal technology.

Cons:

  • Limited advanced features compared to other tools on the list.
  • There is no evident free trial or freemium version.
  • Higher starting price compared to some competitors.

Best for ease of use for notaries and signers alike

  • From $10/user/month

BlueNotary brings notarization into the digital age with its user-friendly interface that's simple to navigate for both notaries and signers. It aims to simplify and streamline the notarization process, making it the perfect tool for those prioritizing ease of use.

Why I Picked BlueNotary: BlueNotary found its way into this list because of its dedication to providing a simplified notarization process. I was particularly impressed by how it caters to notaries and signers, making it accessible for all involved. BlueNotary is 'best for' those seeking an easy-to-use, straightforward e-notary tool.

Standout Features & Integrations:

BlueNotary prides itself on its user-friendly interface, designed to reduce complexity. Its real-time notarization feature allows notaries and signers to communicate effectively, facilitating the signing process. Additionally, its secure document storage offers peace of mind for users.

In terms of integrations, BlueNotary pairs well with numerous document creation and management tools, making importing and exporting documents straightforward. It also integrates seamlessly with several popular video conferencing tools, allowing smooth virtual notarizations.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Seamless integration with popular tools.
  • Practical real-time notarization feature.
  • User-friendly interface.

Cons:

  • A free trial period is not available.
  • More advanced features.
  • It has a slightly higher starting price compared to some competitors.

Other Noteworthy Electronic Notary Software

Below is a list of additional electronic notary software I shortlisted but did not make it to the top 10. Definitely worth checking them out.

  1. PandaDoc

    For its combined notary and document management capabilities

  2. Notarize

    For 24/7 notarizations, accommodating busy schedules

  3. SafeDocs

    For high-stakes transactions requiring advanced security

  4. ENotaryDoX

    For remote notarizations

  5. NotaryLive

    Good for those who want real-time, face-to-face notarization services online

  6. LiveNotary

    Good for individuals and businesses needing immediate, 24/7 online notary services

  7. NotaryCam

    Good for businesses seeking an established, global online notary solution

  8. SIGN.PLUS

    Good for enterprises requiring highly customizable e-signature and notary services

  9. Pavaso

    Good for the real estate industry needing comprehensive digital closing solutions with notary services

  10. Certyfile

    Good for IT professionals looking for robust data protection and recovery features alongside notary services

  11. OneSpan Sign

    Good for organizations focusing on transaction security and fraud prevention

  12. Liveoak

    Good for banks and financial institutions seeking to digitize customer interaction and notary processes

  13. DocMagic

    Good for those needing comprehensive, regulatory-compliant loan document preparation and notary services

  14. NotaryPro

    Good for Canadian customers in need of certified online notarization services

  15. Zapendo

    Good for startups and SMEs needing an all-in-one contract management and notary platform

  16. ZirconTech Notarizer

    Good for businesses seeking blockchain-based notary and document verification services

  17. NotaryWorks

    Good for financial institutions looking for a compliant and secure online notary service

Selection Criteria For Choosing Electronic Notary Software

When choosing online notary software, my selection process is meticulous, and the range of software I've tried and tested spans over twenty different tools. I’ve evaluated each one based on its core functionality, key features, and usability to narrow it down. I paid extra attention to the effectiveness of the remote notarization process and the degree of legal compliance, which are paramount for notary software.

Core Functionality

Online notary software should enable you to:

  • Complete remote notarizations securely and legally.
  • Could you verify the identity of the individuals involved in the notarization?
  • Please make sure to record the notarization process for future reference.
  • Use e-signature technology for signing documents.
  • You can store notarized documents securely.

Key Features

The essential features that stood out in this search were:

  • Legally compliant remote online notarization (RON) technology, which allows notary public to perform notarial acts over the internet
  • Secure identity verification to ensure the individual signing the document is indeed who they claim to be
  • Digital certificate of notarial acts, providing a secure and tamper-evident record of the notarization
  • Document management features to handle the storage, retrieval, and sharing of notarized documents.
  • Audit trails, for providing a step-by-step documented history of the notarial act, valid for legal proceedings and record keeping

Usability

The usability of an online notary tool is often determined by the following:

  • An intuitive user interface that simplifies the notarization process for both the notary and the signers
  • Clear guidance and prompts during the notarization process to help users perform their tasks accurately
  • Responsive customer support to assist with queries or issues related to the software or the notarization process
  • Effective training materials or resources, particularly for notaries who are new to the online notarization process
  • Role-based access allows the administrator to control who has access to certain functionalities and documents, which is crucial for maintaining security and privacy.

Most Common Questions Regarding Electronic Notary Software (FAQs)

What are the benefits of using electronic notary software?

Electronic notary software provides numerous advantages for notaries and individuals seeking their services. Some of these benefits include:

  1. Convenience: No need for in-person appointments, making the process faster and more accessible.
  2. Efficiency: The entire process can be handled in one platform, from scheduling to signing.
  3. Secure Identity Verification: Advanced software uses secure methods to verify the identity of individuals.
  4. Recording: Many electronic notary platforms record the notarization process, providing a secure record.
  5. Environment-friendly: Electronic notarization is a greener alternative by eliminating the need for physical paper documents.

How much do these electronic notary tools typically cost?

The pricing for electronic notary software varies greatly depending on the platform, features, and the volume of notarizations required. They can also range from $10/user/month for basic plans to $100/user/month for more comprehensive packages. Most providers offer multiple pricing tiers catering to different usage levels and specific needs.

What are the typical pricing models for electronic notary software?

Electronic notary software typically follows a subscription pricing model with monthly or annual fees. These prices often scale based on the number of users or notarizations needed. Some platforms may also offer pay-per-use pricing for occasional users.

Which are the cheapest and most expensive electronic notary software?

Based on the tools listed, SIGNiX is one of the more affordable options, with plans starting from $15/user/month. On the other end, Notarize offers premium services with pricing over $100/user/month, depending on the features and volume of notarizations.

Are there any free electronic notary software options?

Currently, only some free electronic notary software options exist, and those that do exist often offer limited features or a capped number of notarizations. They are typically used as a trial version to give users an idea of what to expect from the paid versions.

Other Case Management Software Reviewed

Here are some other tools you may need if you are looking for matter and case management software solutions.

Summary

In conclusion, choosing the best electronic notary software depends on your needs. From integrations to notary functionality, selecting a tool that aligns with your workflow is crucial. With a diverse range of software options, you will find one that suits your requirements.

Key takeaways:

  1. Define Your Requirements: Before you dive into the selection process, could you identify what you need in electronic notary software? This could be a specific feature, compatibility with certain tools, or support for a particular volume of notarizations.
  2. Consider Usability: A user-friendly interface and easy-to-understand functions make the whole process smoother in notary software. Look for a tool that provides a clean user experience and strong customer support.
  3. Evaluate Pricing Models: Each software has its pricing model, whether subscription-based, pay-per-use, or hybrid. Consider your usage patterns and choose a model that provides the best value. Remember, the cheapest tool is not always the best fit, nor is the most expensive one necessarily the most comprehensive.
Ben Aston
By Ben Aston

Ben Aston is an online media entrepreneur and founder of Black & White Zebra, an indie media company on a mission to help people and organizations succeed.

Since 2011, he has been evaluating, reviewing, and helping to recommend software through hundreds of articles across the company's influential digital publications, seeking to make technical workplace topics fun and easier to understand.