Choosing the Right X.509 Document Signing Certificate: SSL vs. IdenTrust

Cloud-Based SSL Certificates: Convenient and Cost-Effective

Seamless Integration: Our partnership with SSL provides a streamlined experience with easy-to-follow prompts embedded directly in your Notary Hub account setup process. Your purchases and renewals are integrated into your Notary Hub billing account.

Accessibility Anywhere: Cloud-based certificates can be accessed from any device, anywhere, giving you the flexibility to perform notarial acts without being tied to a specific computer.

Cost Savings: SSL certificates are up to 25% less expensive than traditional alternatives, making them an economical choice for new notaries.

Adobe Approved: Documents signed with these certificates can be verified using Adobe Acrobat's Signature Panel, providing immediate validation that you were the notary who signed the document, the document hasn't been altered after signing, and you are the verified owner of the document signing certificate.

Special Discount: New Notary Hub users receive a one-time 5% discount on their first year of SSL digital document signing certificates.

IdenTrust Certificates: Portable and Versatile

Trusted Partner: Notary Hub by EverythingLegal is a trusted partner of IdenTrust. To acquire your Identrust X.509 Document Signing Certificate, you will need to purchase an IGC Basic Assurance Certificate from IdenTrust.com. Notary Hub can help with reminders that it's time to renew your certificate, but all purchases and renewals will be directly through IdenTrust.

Enhanced Portability: IdenTrust certificates use a .pfx file format that can be used across different platforms and systems.

Client-Side Security: Your .pfx certificate remains on your local device and is applied to documents within our app's PDF viewer, meaning your certificate never reaches our servers.

Wider Compatibility: IdenTrust certificates can be used in various scenarios beyond Notary Hub, offering flexibility for notaries who work with multiple platforms.

Established Standards: IdenTrust is a long-standing certification authority trusted by government agencies and financial institutions.

The Best X.509 Document Signing Certificate for Your Needs

Choosing between SSL and IdenTrust certificates depends on your specific requirements:

Choose SSL if:
- You primarily work within the Notary Hub platform
- Cost is a significant consideration
- You value the convenience of cloud-based access from any device
- You prefer a simpler setup process with guided integration

Choose IdenTrust if:
- You need to use your certificate across multiple platforms
- You prefer keeping your certificate file under your direct control
- You require compatibility with systems that don't support cloud certificates

Why Document Signing Certificates Matter

X.509 document signing certificates are required by states that allow remote online notarizations. These certificates create cryptographically verifiable, signed electronic documents that:

1. Validate your identity as a notary public
2. Prevent document tampering
3. Provide legal protection for all parties involved
4. Create permanent, tamper-evident seals on electronic documents

Getting Started with Your Certificate

Whichever option you choose, Notary Hub makes the process straightforward:

For SSL certificates, you'll be guided through the purchase and setup during your Notary Hub registration. The process includes identity verification and setting up an authenticator app for secure access.

For IdenTrust certificates, you can upload your .pfx file directly within our platform, where it will be securely applied to documents during the notarization process without ever being stored on our servers.

Conclusion

Both SSL and IdenTrust offer secure, compliant X.509 document signing certificates that meet all legal requirements for remote online notarization. SSL certificates provide convenience and cost savings with cloud-based flexibility, while IdenTrust certificates offer greater portability and traditional file-based security.

As a notary, having the right digital certificate is essential for your professional practice. If you have additional questions about choosing between SSL and IdenTrust certificates, our customer support team is ready to help you make the right decision for your specific needs.