Online notary system, approved by the state, can be used at Purdue

Campus units now have an online option for notary service during this time when many staff members who normally act as on-campus notaries are working remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The state of Indiana in July authorized Notarize as an online notary service valid for use in the state. The ITaP security staff at Purdue also has reviewed it and cleared it for use at the University.

Notarize comes with a cost to campus units, about $25 per use, so the best option remains using an on-campus notary. Campus units, if their notaries are all working remotely, may want to arrange for one or more of those staff members to be on call to come to campus when notary service is needed.

If that’s not possible, Notarize, at www.notarize.com, is available. To use Notarize, you upload a .pdf document, or scan paper documents using the Notarize mobile app. Notarize then verifies your identity and connects you with a notary via a secure two-way video call. You can instantly download your electronically notarized documents, or have them emailed to you.

Although the Notarize system meets security standards, ITaP’s security review says campus units will need to decide who can upload sensitive documents to the system and under what circumstances, and have proper controls in place for using the service.

In October, Notarize plans to begin accepting Indiana notaries to serve in its system. Purdue notaries can apply for remote notary certification through the Indiana Secretary of State’s Office.

Purdue notaries can become part of the Notarize system and will then be able to process documents for $10 each. However, campus units will need to pay a $50 per month fee for the person to be part of the system in order to get that $10 rate, and pay for two hours of training costing $95. If demand justifies it, Notarize is willing to discuss group and volume rates once it gets established in Indiana.