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IEN vs REN: which do you need?

Both are electronic notarial acts. The difference is whether you appear personally before the Electronic Notary Public or remotely by audio-video conference.

In-Person Electronic Notarization (IEN)

You appear physically before the Electronic Notary Public, but the document, signature, and register entry are all electronic.

Personal appearance at the notary's office
Electronic signature captured on-site
Same tamper-evident output and register entry
Best for documents requiring physical presence

Remote Electronic Notarization (REN)

You appear before the Electronic Notary Public through a recorded audio-video conference from anywhere.

No travel required
Enhanced identity proofing before the session
Full session recording retained as evidence
Best for affidavits, authorizations, and SPAs

What stays the same

Whichever route you take, the legal substance of the notarial act is identical.

Personal appearance requirement is satisfied
Notary confirms identity, capacity, and voluntariness
Entry in the Electronic Notarial Register
Verifiable notarial certificate

Choosing between them

Some documents, institutions, or counterparties may require one format.

Check the receiving institution's requirements
Real property deeds may have added formalities
Our team can advise before you pay
Switch formats before your session at no cost