An eNotary is a Notary Public who notarizes documents electronically. One of the methods employed by eNotaries is the use of a digital seal to notarize digital and digitized documents. Several states currently use a system called ENS (Electronic Notary Seal). Not all states require the use of the ENS. ENS is issued by the NNA (see references). Some states allow for unique identifying numbers to be utilized, which are known only by the notary in question and the SOS to affix their respective seal, thus maintaining the integrity of the process. The potential uses of electronic notarization continue to grow. For example, if one needs a notarized document to be presented within minutes (sometimes needed on architectural drawings, bills, or bids), an individual can present themselves before the notary, who can then after following all prescribed practices for his/her state, electronically seal the document and transmit the document electronically immediately. This can be useful in an ever changing world environment, where bids/specifications can change within minutes, and those individuals who can employ this technology maintain a competitive advantage.
The electronic Apostille | e-Apostille
New Zealand was the first country to issue e-Apostille. In Europe it was The Superior Court of Murcia (Spain) who issued the first electronic Apostille (e-Apostille) in 1998. This Apostille, issued within the framework of an international adoption procedure, is perfectly consistent with the model proposed under the e-APP (Electronic Apostille Pilot Program).
e-Notary in Ireland
David performed Ireland’s first ever e-Notarial act in February 2010, and is encouraging others vitally concerned to acquire and utilise the special skills of the e-Notary.He is foremost in the crusade to introduce e-notarising in Ireland and is currently engaged in dialogue with relevant government agencies.
Issues
The main subjects of electronic Apostille Pilot Program are: What is a digital signature? How does a Competent Authority use a digital certificate to sign e-Apostilles? How does the recipient of an e-Apostille verify its origin, including the current status of a Competent Authority's digital certificate?
