For decades, there was only one way to have documents notarized: all parties had to be physically present at a notary's office. However, since the amendment to §69b NO in 2021, notarization is now possible digitally and online. Online certification now makes it possible to certify documents in electronic form by an authorized notary using audio-video technology—without the need for anyone to be physically present.
The draft law represents a turnaround for the notarial profession, but also a prospect for progress in Austria. Almost overnight, notaries in Austria were able to carry out online certifications for clients—and similar draft laws are also planned in other European countries in 2022/23.
The article summarizes the key features of how documents can be certified online in a secure and simpler way.
What is online certification?
Online certification: What you need to know
Online certifications represent a revolutionary advance in the field of certification. They involve the certification of documents in electronic form. But how exactly does this work?
The principle of online certification
- Electronic signature: All parties involved sign the document with an electronic signature.
- Control by notaries: The entire process is monitored online by an authorized notary using audio-video technology.
- Accessibility: Anyone with internet access can conveniently sign and certify documents from anywhere, whether at home or at work.
The advantages of digitization
While this process includes the core elements of traditional certification, the digital approach offers enhanced security features:
- Increased transparency: Special software ensures a clear overview of the process and thus guarantees the integrity of each certification.
- Acceptance in Europe: Many European countries, including Austria, Germany, France, and others, have amended or redrafted their legislation to allow online certifications. The goal behind this is to modernize traditional processes and provide easier and more secure access to notarial services.
Notarial services from beglaubigt.de
If you are looking for a notary or would like to use special services, beglaubigt.de offers a range of options:
The following specialized services are also available to you:
Why choose online certifications?
The trend toward digitization has not only taken hold in our everyday lives, but has also revolutionized formal processes. Online certifications are a shining example of this. Here are a few reasons why you should consider this modern method:
- Time savings: No need for physical meetings or waiting times in offices. With just a few clicks, you can sign and certify documents.
- Flexibility: You can carry out the process from anywhere, as long as you have internet access.
- Security: Modern technologies and encryption standards ensure secure exchange and storage of your documents.
- Environmentally conscious: By reducing the need for physical documents and travel, we can work together to contribute to environmental protection.
The future of certification
Rapid technological development and the growing need for efficiency are driving the acceptance and spread of online certifications. It is expected that more and more countries will adopt the digital approach and break down traditional barriers. This will not only facilitate access to notarial services, but also pave the way for innovative solutions in other legal areas.
Referenzanalyse
Once the personal data has been verified, the signatories are asked to take photos of the front and back of a valid official ID document—if necessary, through a legitimate third-party provider. In addition, the photos taken for the analysis of the ID document are made available to the notary so that the notary can check them again during the notarial act.
identity check
After successful reference analysis, the signatory can initiate a session with a notary. During the notary session, the notary verifies the signer's ID, which was recorded during the identity verification process, and confirms that the person in front of them is who they claim to be. The essential components of traditional, in-person notarization remain the same with online notarization. This includes the role of the notary:
- Re-verification of the signatory's identity
- Confirmation that the signatory is familiar with the content of the document
- Confirmation that the signatory is signing the document of their own free will
Greater transparency through advanced software
Online certification brings notarial services into the digital age. Processes such as identity verification, signatures, and, above all, document management are completely digitized. The digital processing of these processes and the use of digital certificates for the creation, modification, or completion of documents lay the foundation for a new level of transparency in notarial deeds.
For example, parties on the Beglaubigt.de platform have immediate access to the certified document, the notary's information, photos of the official ID presented to the notary, and a record of the meeting. In addition, a comprehensive audit trail is provided with each notarial deed on the platform and made available to the parties involved.
Certified documents available online
Another advantage of online certification is the ubiquitous access to the digital document. In addition, a certificate is issued which legitimizes the legitimate process of the notarial deed. This means that the parties involved can access the certified documents and the stored data room for up to 10 years. This also simplifies cooperation with the notary, as it was not uncommon for documents to have to be sent again.
Access management should be strictly adhered to in this regard. Permissions are clearly visible on beglaubigt.de – documents are stored in encrypted form and only released for download with the necessary access rights.
Austria as a pioneer – also in climate protection
The fact that visits to the notary can now be carried out from your desk at home or in the office is a major step forward for the Austrian notarial profession—and, above all, for climate protection. Time-consuming trips to the notary are a thing of the past, and paperwork is rigorously avoided and transferred digitally. Section 90a NO and the general E-Identity Regulation NEIV lay the foundation for greater climate protection and sustainability, as ÖNK President Umfahrer believes:
"If a shareholders' meeting can be held digitally, no one has to travel by car or plane anymore."
Online certification not only brings more digitization to legal transactions, but also enables more service and self-determination for people who are physically limited and not as mobile—accessibility to legal transactions as a positive side effect of online certification.
Beglaubigt.de available anywhere, anytime
Security and transparency are important, but perhaps the greatest advantage of online certification is speed. Beglaubigt.de makes it possible to complete the entire process online without having to visit a local notary in person. A wide variety of notarial deeds can be processed via the Beglaubigt.de platform, from simple signature certification to real estate transfers. Beglaubigt.de provides you with a notary who accompanies you through the entire process, from the initial inquiry to the final notarial deed.
Weitere Services:
Beglaubigt.de offers a simpler, smarter, and more secure alternative to traditional paper certification, saving valuable time for everyone involved.
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