Need a document notarized but can’t easily get to a notary’s office? An online notary lets you meet with a commissioned notary over live video, complete the notarization remotely, and receive your document digitally. The process can save a trip and make it easier to coordinate signers who are in different places.
Remote online notarization is available for many common documents, but eligibility depends on state law, the type of notarization, and the organization receiving the document. Here’s how an online notary session generally works, what to prepare, and what to check before you begin.
What is an online notary?
An online notary is a commissioned notary who performs a notarization during a live audio-video session. Instead of meeting in person, the signer and notary connect remotely using an online platform.
The notary verifies the signer’s identity, communicates with them during the session, and completes the notarial act according to applicable requirements. Depending on the document and state rules, identity verification may include reviewing an acceptable ID and completing additional checks.
Online notarization is sometimes called remote online notarization, or RON. It is different from simply emailing a document to a notary or adding an electronic signature. The notary must still perform the required steps for the notarization, and the signer must participate in the session.
How does online notarization work?
The exact process varies by provider, state, and document, but an online notarization usually follows these steps:
- Choose the document and notarization. Identify the document you need notarized and the type of notarial act requested, such as an acknowledgment or jurat. If the document does not specify the act, ask the organization that provided it for guidance.
- Upload the document and provide signer details. The platform uses this information to prepare the session and invite the signer.
- Verify your identity. Follow the platform’s instructions for presenting acceptable identification and completing any required identity checks.
- Meet with the notary by live video. Join the session from a device with a camera and microphone. The notary will confirm your willingness and ability to participate and guide you through the required steps.
- Sign and complete the notarization. Depending on the document and applicable rules, you may sign electronically during the session or follow other signing instructions.
- Download the completed document. After the session, the notarized document is made available digitally.
Before starting, make sure your device is charged, your internet connection is stable, and you are in a quiet, private location. Have your identification ready and avoid signing the document in advance unless the platform or notary specifically instructs you to do so.
What do you need for an online notary session?
Most people need a few basic things:
- A computer, tablet, or smartphone with a working camera and microphone
- A reliable internet connection
- An acceptable, current form of identification
- The complete document that needs notarization
- A private place where you can participate without interruptions
Some sessions require additional identity verification. Follow the platform’s instructions before the appointment, and make sure the name you provide matches your identification and the document when required.
If there are multiple signers, each person may need to complete identity checks and join the session. Ask the provider how to invite additional signers or witnesses if your document requires them.
What documents can be notarized online?
Many documents may be eligible for remote notarization, including certain affidavits, acknowledgments, and powers of attorney. However, eligibility is not universal. State law may limit which documents can be notarized remotely, and an organization receiving the document may have its own requirements.
Before you book a session, check with the recipient of the document. This is especially useful for real estate transactions, court filings, estate planning, and documents that will be used in another state or country. Confirm that the recipient accepts a remotely notarized electronic document and ask whether it has specific formatting or certificate requirements.
An online notary platform can help arrange the session, but it generally cannot decide whether a document is legally sufficient for your particular purpose. If you have questions about what a document means or which notarial act it requires, contact the document preparer, receiving organization, or a qualified legal professional.
When can an online notary be useful?
Online notarization can be helpful when travel is difficult, schedules are tight, or the signer and other participants are in different locations. It can also make coordination easier for families, businesses, and legal teams that need to arrange a notarization for someone who is not nearby.
For example, an individual who needs an eligible affidavit may be able to complete the process from home. A business may arrange a session for a customer or employee in another location. Law firms may use an online notary to help clients complete eligible documents without requiring everyone to travel to the office.
The right option depends on the document, the signer’s circumstances, and the recipient’s requirements. If an in-person notarization is required, an online session may not be suitable.
Is an online notarization secure?
Online notarization platforms use identity checks and live video to support the notarial process. A session may also create an electronic record, depending on the applicable rules and provider.
Before choosing a service, review its session process, pricing, identity requirements, and how you will receive the completed document. Use a private internet connection when possible, and avoid sharing document links or access codes with people who should not see the document.
No online service can guarantee that every recipient will accept every notarized document. Confirm acceptance in advance when the document is important or has specific submission requirements.
Get started with Notaron
Notaron connects signers with commissioned notaries for online notarization. Upload your document, complete identity verification, and meet with a notary by live video. After the session, your completed document is available digitally.
Public sessions start at $25 for one signer and one notarization. Additional fees may apply for added signers or notarizations. Check the current pricing and confirm that your document is eligible before beginning.
Ready to arrange a session? Get started with Notaron.