In-Person Electronic Notarization (IPEN) is a modern method where a signer and notary meet physically (like traditional notarization) but use technology for the act, signing electronic documents with digital signatures and applying an electronic seal, making the document tamper-evident and creating a digital journal entry, offering efficiency while maintaining familiar in-person security. It’s a hybrid between paper notarization and Remote Online Notarization (RON) and requires the signer and notary to be in the same room but using tablets/computers instead of pens and paper.
How IPEN Works
Meet in Person: Signer and notary are physically present.
Digital Documents: Documents are electronic (PDF, etc.).
Electronic Signing: Signer uses a digital signature pad or tablet to sign.
Electronic Seal: Notary applies their digital certificate and electronic seal.
Tamper-Evident: The digital process makes the document secure against alteration.
Electronic Journal: Notary records the act in an electronic journal.
Key Differences from Traditional & Remote Notarization
Traditional: Pen & paper, physical stamp.
IPEN: In-person, but uses digital tools.
RON (Remote Online Notarization): Signer is remote, uses audio-visual tech, but the notary must be in a specific state (like Florida), allowing for fully remote digital notarization.
