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# What are Participant Roles (Signers, Witness, Notary, Observer, Admin)?

In **online notarization** (also called electronic or remote online notarization), multiple participants interact in a secure digital environment to complete the notarization of a document. Each participant has a specific **role** with defined responsibilities. Here’s a breakdown of the typical roles:

### 1. **Signer**
* **Who they are:** The person(s) whose signature is being notarized.
* **Responsibilities:**
    * Review the document.
    * Electronically sign the document in the presence of the notary.
    * Verify their identity using [government-issued ID](https://help.bluenotary.us/en/article/types-of-identity-authentication-1uye2q4/) and [knowledge-based authentication (KBA), or Biometrics](https://help.bluenotary.us/en/article/kba-biometrics-identification-analysisproofing-1ugapz4/).
* **Key point:** The signer must appear “in-person” virtually.

### 2. **Witness**
* [Who they are](https://help.bluenotary.us/en/article/witness-open-call-what-to-expect-14homkg/)**:** An individual who observes the signer signing the document.
* **Responsibilities:**
    * Confirm that the signature is made willingly and by the correct person.
    * Sometimes sign the document themselves as a witness.
    * May need to verify their own identity online. (depends on the notary)
* **Key point:** Not all notarizations require a witness; it depends on state laws and the type of document.

### 3. **Notary**
* **Who they are:** A licensed notary public authorized to perform electronic notarizations.
* **Responsibilities:**
    * Verify the signer’s identity.
    * Ensure the signer understands the document.
    * Administer the electronic signature and affix the digital notary seal.
    * Maintain an electronic record of the notarization, including audio/video of the session.
* **Key point:** The notary is the legal authority validating the signature.

### 4. **Observer**
* **Who they are:** Someone who can watch the notarization process but does not actively sign or verify documents.
* **Responsibilities:**
    * Monitor the process for transparency.
    * May be used in certain corporate or legal settings where oversight is required.
* **Key point:** Observers have **no legal authority** in the notarization; they cannot sign or notarize.

### 5. **Admin**
* **Who they are:** A business or organization administrator managing the sessions.
* **Responsibilities:**
    * Creating and scheduling the notarization session in the platform.
    * Maintaining records of the session, including session logs and document storage.
    * Paying for or initiating the session (covering any platform fees or coordinating billing).
    * Manage signers, witnesses, and notaries. (if they have their own notary team)
* **Key point:** So while the admin **does not perform the notarization itself**, they handle all logistical, administrative, and financial aspects to ensure the session runs smoothly.