He Was Stationed Overseas. She Didn't Know What Else to Try.

There was trepidation in her voice.

Her husband was stationed overseas, and they needed a Power of Attorney notarized. They had already tried to complete the notarization online a couple of times, but each attempt ended the same way—his identification wouldn't pass the required credential analysis.

By the time she called me, you could hear the frustration creeping into her voice. Then she asked me a question I hear more often than you might think.

"Can I just bring him in on FaceTime and have you notarize it?"

I hated telling her no.

Not because I didn't want to help—I absolutely did—but because I understood why she was asking. She wasn't looking for a shortcut. She was simply trying to find a way for her husband, who was serving our country thousands of miles away, to sign an important legal document.

Unfortunately, that's not how notarization works. A traditional notary cannot simply witness a signature over FaceTime. Remote Online Notarization (RON) has specific legal requirements, including identity verification and credential analysis, designed to protect everyone involved.

the security features built into the ID.

Before we ever met online, I shared a few simple tips that often make all the difference:

• Use a smartphone camera if it's clearer

Fortunately, there was another option.

Experience Goes Beyond the Technology

I'll admit, I was cautiously optimistic.

They had already tried another Remote Online Notarization platform multiple times, so there was certainly a chance we'd run into the exact same problem. But before I ever sent them a link to schedule an appointment, I spent a few minutes asking questions.

I wanted to understand exactly what had happened during their previous attempts. As she described the process, I explained that credential analysis failures often aren't caused by a bad identification card at all. More often, they're caused by something much simpler—a glare from an overhead light, a blurry webcam, poor lighting, or a camera that isn't capturing than your computer's webcam.

• Hold the ID steady during the upload.

• Avoid reflections or glare across the card.

• Make sure the room is well lit, but don't shine light directly onto the identification.

• Take your time rather than rushing through the process.

The conversation only lasted a few minutes, but it gave them confidence going into the appointment.

That's one of the reasons I offer a complimentary 15-minute consultation before many Remote Online Notarization appointments. Sometimes a brief conversation is all it takes to answer questions, explain the process, and help clients avoid the frustration of repeated failed attempts. If you're unsure whether your document can be notarized remotely—or you're simply nervous about the technology—I'm happy to walk you through what to expect before we ever begin.

One More Reason to Feel at Ease

After our conversation, I offered to meet with them immediately.

I also told them something I hoped would ease their minds: if we ran into the same issue and couldn't complete the notarization, I wouldn't charge them for the attempt.

Truthfully, I wasn't making that promise because I knew it would work.

I was making it because I understood how discouraging it must have been to finally reach someone after multiple unsuccessful attempts, only to worry about paying for another one.

Sometimes removing one more worry is exactly what someone needs.

Less Than Ten Minutes Later...

As it turned out, we were both pleasantly surprised.

His identification uploaded successfully on the very first attempt.

Credential analysis passed.

Identity verification was completed.

He electronically signed his document.

I notarized it.

From the moment we connected until we said goodbye, the entire appointment took less than ten minutes.

Their Power of Attorney was complete, and they could finally move forward with selling their vehicle back home.

Sometimes the Difference Is Guidance

People often assume every Remote Online Notarization experience is the same because the technology is similar.

It isn't.

The platform performs the credential analysis.

The software verifies the identity.

But an experienced Remote Online Notary can often make the process smoother by preparing clients before the appointment even begins.

Sometimes the difference isn't the platform.

Sometimes it's having someone who knows what questions to ask, what common issues to look for, and how to help you avoid them before they become a problem.

Remote Online Notarization for Military Families—and Beyond

This story involved a service member stationed overseas, but the lesson applies to so many others.

Whether you're deployed, traveling internationally, attending college in another state, relocating for work, or simply unable to meet with a notary in person, Remote Online Notarization can often provide a secure and convenient solution.

And if you've tried before without success, don't assume it

can't be done. Sometimes all it takes is a little guidance before you begin.

If you have questions about the process, or you'd like to find out whether Remote Online Notarization is right for your situation, I'd be happy to help. You can schedule a complimentary 15-minute consultation, and together we'll discuss your document, answer your questions, and determine the best path forward.

Wherever life—or military service—takes you, notarization doesn't always have to wait until you get home.