How to Conduct Notary Services During a Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped how notaries operate, forcing the industry to adapt to new safety standards, remote work options, and changing legal requirements. Even beyond the pandemic, many of these practices remain essential for public health and business continuity. Whether you’re a mobile notary or working in an office, understanding how to safely and effectively conduct notarizations during a pandemic is vital for protecting yourself and your clients.

1. Prioritize Health and Safety

The first responsibility of any notary during a pandemic is ensuring a safe environment for both yourself and your signers

Best practices include:

• Wearing a face mask when required or requested.

• Providing hand sanitizer and disinfecting pens, seals, and work surfaces between appointments.

• Avoiding physical contact—no handshakes or shared materials.

• Maintaining social distancing whenever possible.

For in-person appointments, consider meeting outdoors, in well-ventilated spaces, or even through car window “drive-up” notarizations when legally permitted.

2. Embrace Remote Online Notarization (RON)

One of the biggest advancements during the pandemic was the rise of Remote Online Notarization (RON). This allows notaries to verify identities and notarize documents online using secure, state-approved platforms.

Benefits of RON include:

• Reduced physical contact and exposure risk.

• Convenience for clients unable to meet in person.

• Secure identity verification and video documentation.

Before offering RON, check if it’s authorized in your state and complete any required training or registration.

3. Offer Curbside or Contactless Notarizations

When remote notarization isn’t an option, contactless in-person appointments can help reduce risk.

Examples include:

• Drive-up notarizations: Clients sign in their cars while you observe from a safe distance.

• Window notarizations: Signers remain inside their homes or offices while you witness through a clear barrier.

• Drop-off notarizations: Clients leave documents in a secure drop box, and you notarize once proper identification and communication are confirmed.

These creative approaches maintain compliance while minimizing exposure.

4. Verify Identity Safely

Even during a pandemic, identity verification must follow state law.

Options include:

• Viewing IDs without handling them—ask the signer to hold it up clearly or place it on a clean surface.

• Using remote verification tools (for RON).

• Avoiding photocopies or digital images of IDs unless permitted by law.

Always ensure the ID matches the person present and that the signer appears willing and aware.

5. Maintain Professional Boundaries

During uncertain times, notaries often interact with clients who are anxious or under stress. Maintain empathy while remaining professional and impartial. You are not responsible for explaining legal content or advising on health-related matters—your role remains to verify identity, willingness, and document execution.

6. Keep Records and Stay Informed

• Continue logging every notarization in your notary journal, including remote or contactless sessions.

• Note any unique circumstances (e.g., “drive-up notarization” or “remote session via approved platform”).

• Stay updated on your state’s evolving notary laws—some emergency provisions made during the pandemic have become permanent.

Final Thoughts

The pandemic reshaped the way notaries serve their communities, introducing new technologies and safety standards that continue to benefit clients today. Whether in person, online, or through creative contactless methods, a notary’s duty to uphold trust, legality, and professionalism never changes. By prioritizing safety, adapting to change, and staying compliant, notaries can continue providing essential services—no matter the circumstances.