Who retains control over the electronic stamp and signature?

The notary public retains control over the electronic stamp and signature because they are personally responsible for the notarization process. This means they must ensure the integrity and security of their electronic signature and seal. In New Jersey, as in many states, the notary public is the only person authorized to use their electronic stamp and signature in performing notarial acts. This control is essential to maintain the validity and trustworthiness of the documents they notarize and to prevent unauthorized access or misuse of their notary credentials.

Other parties, such as the state government, document sender, or an attorney overseeing the transaction, do not have control over the notary's electronic stamp and signature. While the state government regulates notarial practices and may establish guidelines for their use, it does not directly control the individual notary's signature or seal. Similarly, the sender of a document or an overseeing attorney may rely on the notary's services but do not have authority or control over the notary's tools and mechanisms for authentication.