In-Person Electronic Notarization (IPEN)
Face-to-Face Notarization. Electronic Documents.
Tampa Bay Signing Services offers In-Person Electronic Notarization (IPEN) for clients who want the convenience of electronic documents while still meeting personally with their Florida Notary Public.
During an IPEN appointment, the signer and Notary are physically present together at the same location. Instead of signing a paper document with ink, the document is completed electronically. The signer uses an electronic signature, and the Notary completes the notarization using an electronic signature and electronic Notary seal through secure, tamper-evident technology.
How IPEN Works
- 1
Meet in person.
Your Notary meets you at the agreed-upon location.
- 2
Verify your identity.
Identification and all required notarial procedures are completed in person.
- 3
Review and sign electronically.
The document is presented and signed electronically rather than on paper.
- 4
Complete the electronic notarization.
The Notary applies the appropriate electronic notarial certificate, signature, and seal.
- 5
Receive the completed electronic document.
The finalized document can be delivered electronically to the appropriate recipient.
Why Choose IPEN?
IPEN can be a convenient option when you prefer or require an in-person meeting but want to avoid printing, scanning, and returning paper documents.
It may be especially useful for electronic real estate and loan transactions, legal and business documents, title and settlement transactions, and other documents designed for electronic execution.
As the National Notary Association notes, IPEN can provide many of the efficiencies of electronic documents without requiring the signer and Notary to use the audio-video communication process associated with Remote Online Notarization (RON) — so you get a faster, paperless record while still meeting your Notary face-to-face.
IPEN vs. Remote Online Notarization vs. Traditional Notarization
IPEN
You and the Notary are physically together in the same location, but the document and notarization are electronic.
RON
You and the Notary are in different locations and meet using authorized audio-video technology.
Traditional Notarization
You and the Notary meet in person and complete a paper document using ink signatures and a physical Notary seal.
Where Is IPEN Available?
In-Person Electronic Notarization (IPEN) is currently authorized in 46 states and the District of Columbia.
As a commissioned Florida Notary Public, Tampa Bay Signing Services performs IPEN appointments within the State of Florida, with the signer and Notary physically present together at the time of notarization.
Electronic documents may be intended for use or delivery outside Florida; however, acceptance requirements can vary by document type, transaction, recording jurisdiction, lender, title company, government agency, or other receiving party. If you are unsure whether your document can be completed using IPEN, please contact us before scheduling.
According to the National Notary Association, Alaska, Georgia, Hawaii, and Massachusetts currently do not authorize IPEN.
Is My Document Eligible for IPEN?
Not every document or transaction is intended for electronic execution. A lender, title company, law firm, government agency, recording office, or other recipient may have specific requirements.
Contact us before your appointment if you are unsure whether IPEN is appropriate for your document.
Ready to go paperless for your next in-person signing?
Schedule an IPEN Appointment