Summary
Multiple sources, including experts, marketers, and documentation, overwhelmingly indicate that a notary is generally required to obtain a VMC for BIMI. The notarization process verifies the identity and authorization of the individual requesting the VMC to act on behalf of the brand. This is to ensure that the person requesting has the legal right to use the brand's logo and to provide assurance to mailbox providers about the legitimacy of the brand. Specific notarized documents required may vary depending on the VMC provider.
Key findings
- Notary Requirement: A notary is generally required to obtain a VMC for BIMI.
- Identity and Authorization Verification: The notarization process verifies the identity and authorization of the person requesting the VMC to represent the brand.
- Legitimacy Assurance: The notarization process provides assurance to mailbox providers about the legitimacy of the brand's logo.
- Documentation requirements: VMC provider may require different types of notarized documents such as affidavits, business registration documents, or letters from the legal team.
Key considerations
- VMC Provider Choice: Specific notarization requirements can vary depending on the VMC provider (e.g., Entrust, DigiCert, GlobalSign).
- Document Preparation: Gather necessary documents, such as employment verification letters, business registration documents, and legal authorization statements, and prepare them for notarization.
- Notary Selection: Some found it challenging to find a notary who understood the VMC requirements, so be ready to explain it.
What email marketers say
13 marketer opinions
The overwhelming consensus from email marketers and industry experts is that a notary is generally required to obtain a VMC (Verified Mark Certificate) for BIMI (Brand Indicators for Message Identification). The notarization serves to verify the identity and authorization of the certificate requestor to represent the brand. While a notary is generally required, some people found it challenging to find a notary who understood the VMC requirements.
Key opinions
- Notary Requirement: A notary is typically required to verify the identity and authorization of the person requesting the VMC.
- Verification Purpose: Notarization confirms the certificate requestor's association with the organization and their legal right to use the brand's logo.
- VMC provider verification: You should check with the VMC provider beforehand, as a notary was essential for demonstrating legal right to the logo.
- Provider specific requirements: Some providers might require specific notarized documents such as affidavits or letters from the company's legal team.
Key considerations
- Provider Choice: Consider different VMC providers (e.g., Entrust, DigiCert) as their specific requirements might vary.
- Notary Understanding: It might be challenging to find a notary who fully understands the VMC requirements; be prepared to explain the process.
- Documentation: Prepare official documentation, such as business registration documents or employment verification letters, for notarization.
- Legal Authorisation: Demonstrate that you are legally authorized to represent the brand, for example via a notarized affidavit.
Marketer view
Email marketer from Sectigo shares that the verification process includes demonstrating that the applicant is legally authorized to represent the brand, and this commonly requires a notarized affidavit or similar legal document.
17 Mar 2022 - Sectigo
Marketer view
Email marketer from Reddit shares that when they implemented BIMI for their company, the VMC process required a notarized letter confirming their role and authorization to act on behalf of the brand.
12 Aug 2023 - Reddit
What the experts say
2 expert opinions
Both an email deliverability expert from Word to the Wise and a technical expert from Email Geeks confirm that a notary is required to obtain a VMC (Verified Mark Certificate) for BIMI (Brand Indicators for Message Identification). The purpose of the notary is to verify the identity of the person requesting the VMC and their association with the brand.
Key opinions
- Notary Requirement: A notary is a required step in obtaining a VMC for BIMI.
- Identity Verification: The notary verifies the identity of the certificate requester and their association with the brand.
Key considerations
- Prepare Documentation: Be prepared to provide documentation proving your identity and your association with the brand being certified.
- Legitimacy Assurance: Understand that the notarization process provides assurance to mailbox providers about the legitimacy of the brand's logo.
Expert view
Expert from Email Geeks confirms that a notary is required to obtain a VMC.
14 Sep 2024 - Email Geeks
Expert view
Expert from Word to the Wise explains that a notary is required to verify the identity of the person requesting the VMC and their association with the brand, providing assurance to mailbox providers about the legitimacy of the brand's logo.
11 Feb 2024 - Word to the Wise
What the documentation says
3 technical articles
Documentation from Entrust, BIMI Group, and GlobalSign indicates that a notary is generally required to obtain a VMC for BIMI. The notary confirms the applicant's right to represent the brand and the VMC issuing authority will verify the identity and authority of the certificate requestor, including notarized business registration documents or similar proofs.
Key findings
- Notarized Documents: May need notarized documents to prove employment or authorization to represent the brand.
- Identity Verification: The VMC issuing authority needs to verify the identity and authority of the certificate requestor, which may include notarized documents.
- Stringent Process: The VMC process involves stringent identity verification, often mandating notarized business registration documents or similar proofs.
Key considerations
- Business Registration: Be prepared to provide notarized business registration documents or similar proofs.
- Right to Represent: Be prepared to demonstrate your right to represent the brand.
Technical article
Documentation from GlobalSign indicates that the VMC process involves stringent identity verification, often mandating notarized business registration documents or similar proofs.
7 Feb 2024 - GlobalSign
Technical article
Documentation from Entrust explains the VMC verification process often includes confirming the applicant's right to represent the brand and may involve notarized documentation to prove employment or authorization.
21 Dec 2024 - Entrust
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