Why Your Phone is Your Best Friend for ID Verification
When it comes to remote online notarization, ID verification is one of the most critical steps—and it’s also where many signers run into trouble.
Here’s the little-known secret?
💡 Phones beat laptops almost every time when it comes to getting that ID to pass verification.
Whether you’re new to remote online notarization or you’re a seasoned pro, understanding why phones work better—and how to guide your clients to use them—can save you time, prevent failed sessions, and seriously boost your signer satisfaction.
📲 Why Phones > Laptops for ID Verification
1. Better Camera Quality
Most smartphones today have powerful, high-resolution cameras with built-in lighting and autofocus—way better than the average laptop webcam.
This means clearer images of IDs and sharper selfies, which helps the software do its job accurately and quickly.
2. Easier Angling
Phones are handheld and flexible. Clients can easily tilt the device, move around to find better lighting, or position their ID flat against a dark surface—all of which are harder to do when stuck in front of a stationary laptop webcam.
3. Fewer Glare & Lighting Issues
Natural light + a phone = a winning combo.
Laptop webcams often struggle in low light or with glare, but phones adjust automatically and give a better chance of a clear, readable ID scan.
👩🏫 How Notaries Can Guide Clients Through the Process
Don’t assume your signers know this! Here’s how to walk them through it like a pro:
✅ Pre-session tip: Let clients know ahead of time that using their phone is recommended for the ID check
✅ Live support: If verification fails, gently suggest they switch to their phone, hold their ID flat on a dark surface, and move to a well-lit area
✅ Make it easy: Platforms like ProNotary allow for secure text/email links so signers can easily switch devices without restarting the entire session
💬 Here’s What You Can Say:
“Sometimes laptops have trouble picking up the details we need from your ID. If you’re open to it, switching to your phone and using that camera usually works way better—plus, it only takes a minute.”
When said with confidence and a calm tone, this kind of guidance makes signers feel supported and reassured—not embarrassed or frustrated.
🧠 ProNotary Makes Switching Devices Easy
With ProNotary, your clients can seamlessly switch between devices during the ID verification process. No restarts. No lost progress. Just a smooth path to getting verified.
Built-in tools + a little guidance from you = a seamless, professional signing experience.
