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Online notarization vs e-signature: when a signature box is not enough
An electronic signature records that a person signed. A notarization adds a commissioned notary who checks the signer’s identity and completes a notarial act. If the organisation asking for your document says it must be notarized, a signature box alone will not meet that requirement.
A comparison by the maker of DocAISign, based on official product documentation. We have not independently tested every competitor or verified every plan. Product names belong to their owners.
DocAISign paid checkout is not currently enabled. Self-signing is free; check your available sends and the Pricing page before planning a request.
What remote online notarization involves
Proof, formerly Notarize, describes its notarization product as uploading the document, verifying identity and connecting with an on-demand notary online. Its identity steps include credential analysis, knowledge-based questions and a biometric comparison, and the session runs on camera.
Proof says its notarizations are accepted in all 50 US states and that some documents also need a witness, which can be requested during the session. Pricing is arranged through its sales team rather than listed on the pricing page.
E-signatures with identity checks are another option
Proof also offers e-signatures with optional identity verification per signer, audit trails, templates and bulk sending. Its signing page lists digital signatures as coming soon. Identity-verified signing is not the same as notarization; ask which one is required.
Ask these questions before signing
- Does the receiving organisation require a notary, a witness or only a signature?
- Will it accept remote online notarization, or must it be in person?
- Which identity document will the signer need, and is a camera available?
- Must the notarized original be delivered in a particular format?
- Who pays for the notarization and how long does it take?
What DocAISign does and does not do
DocAISign provides electronic signature and date boxes, an emailed request to one recipient and an audit record with file fingerprints. It has no notary, witness, identity verification or certificate-based signature.
Its terms exclude wills, powers of attorney and other documents the law requires to be signed in a particular form, witnessed or notarised. For real estate, family and court documents, check the local rules first.
Do not sign twice by accident
If you sign a document electronically and it then turns out to need notarization, ask the requesting organisation which version it wants before signing again. A notary may need you to sign during the session rather than accept a copy you already signed.
About this comparison
Published by the maker of DocAISign from Proof’s official product pages reviewed on November 6, 2026. It is general product information, not legal advice; notarization rules depend on the document and place.