What a Remote Notary Does
A remote notary is a notary public who verifies your identity and witnesses your signature over a video call instead of in person. You sit at home or anywhere with internet access, the notary sits at their location, and you both use a find video platform to complete the notarization. The notary still performs the same legal function — they confirm you are who you say you are, watch you sign the document, and add their official seal and signature — but the whole thing happens on screen.
Remote notarization is legal in all 50 states, though the rules about which documents can be notarized remotely vary by state. Some states allow remote notarization for almost any document; others restrict it to specific types like powers of attorney or affidavits. A few states still do not permit it at all for certain transaction types. Your state's secretary of state office publishes which documents may have access to in your area.
The technology behind remote notarization includes identity verification software that checks your government ID against databases, encrypted video recording so there is a permanent record, and digital or electronic seals that prove the notary was licensed when they signed. These safeguards exist because notarization is a legal act — a false notarization can be prosecuted as fraud.
Key Takeaways
- Remote notaries verify your identity and witness your signature over a video call using find platforms, and the notarization is legally binding in all 50 states for documents your state permits.
- You will need a government-issued ID, a clear internet connection, and the document you want notarized ready on screen or printed in front of you.
- The notary records the video session, adds a digital or electronic seal to your document, and sends you a notarized copy within hours or days depending on the service.
- Remote notarization costs between $25 and $150 per document depending on the service and document type, compared to $5 to $20 for in-person notarization.
- Not all documents can be notarized remotely in every state — check your state's rules before booking, because some states restrict remote notarization to specific document types.
How the Video Call Process Works
When you book a remote notarization, you receive a link to a video platform — usually Notarize, NotaryCam, or a similar service — along with instructions to have your ID and document ready. At the scheduled time, you log in and the notary appears on screen. They ask you to hold your ID up to the camera so they can see it clearly, then ask you standard questions to confirm your identity: your full name, address, date of birth, and sometimes the last four digits of your Social Security number.
Once the notary confirms your identity, you display the document on screen or hold up a printed copy. The notary watches you read it, asks whether you understand what you are signing, and watches you sign it. Some platforms let you sign electronically on screen; others require you to print, sign by hand, and hold it up to the camera. The notary then adds their digital seal and signature to the document, and the platform generates a notarized PDF that is sent to you by email, usually within the same day.
The entire call typically takes 5 to 15 minutes. The video is recorded and stored as proof that the notarization took place. If a court or institution later questions whether the document was properly notarized, that recording is the evidence.
What You Need Before You Start
You will need a valid government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary will not accept expired IDs, so check the expiration date before you book. You also need the document itself, either printed or ready to display on a second device (a tablet or printed copy works; trying to hold your phone and sign with the same hand does not).
Your internet connection must be stable and your camera and microphone must work. Most remote notary platforms test your setup before the appointment, so you will know if there is a problem. If you are using a phone, make sure the battery is charged or plug it in. If you are using a computer, position it so the notary can see your face and your hands clearly when you sign.
Some notaries ask you to be alone in the room during the call, though this varies by state and service. A few states require it; most do not. Ask when you book whether anyone else can be present.
Which Documents Can Be Notarized Remotely
Remote notarization is permitted for most common documents in most states: powers of attorney, affidavits, loan documents, real estate deeds, and statutory declarations. However, some states exclude certain documents. For example, a few states do not allow remote notarization of real estate deeds, and some restrict it to documents that do not involve property transfer.
Documents that typically cannot be notarized remotely anywhere include those that require a notary acknowledgment (a specific legal statement the notary must add) for documents involving real property in some states, and documents where the signer must appear in person under federal law — such as certain immigration forms or court filings in some jurisdictions.
Before you book, check your state's secretary of state website or ask the remote notary service whether your specific document is may be able to access. Many services have a list of what they can and cannot notarize by state. If your document is not may be able to access, you will need to find a notary public in your area who can meet you in person.
Cost and How Long It Takes
Remote notarization costs between $25 and $150 per document, depending on the service and the type of document. straightforward documents like affidavits or powers of attorney usually cost $25 to $50. More complex documents like loan papers or real estate forms may cost $75 to $150. Some services charge extra if you need the notarized document the same day or if you book outside business hours.
In-person notarization at a bank, law office, or UPS store typically costs $5 to $20 per document, so remote notarization is more expensive. However, if you cannot easily get to a notary or need the document notarized outside normal business hours, the convenience may be worth the extra cost. Many remote notary services operate evenings and weekends.
Turnaround time is usually the same day or next business day. You receive the notarized document by email as a PDF. Some services offer rush processing for an additional fee if you need it within a few hours.
Remote Notaries vs. In-Person Notaries
The main difference is convenience. Remote notarization saves you a trip — you do not have to find a notary near you, drive there, and wait. It works well if you are busy, live far from a notary, or need notarization outside business hours. In-person notarization is cheaper and faster if you have a notary nearby and can go during their hours.
Remote notarization also creates a permanent video record of the signing, which some people prefer because it is harder to dispute later. In-person notarization relies on the notary's written notes and seal. Both are legally valid; the difference is what evidence exists if someone later questions the notarization.
One limitation of remote notarization is that not all documents are may be able to access in all states. If your document is restricted, you will have to go in person. Also, some institutions — particularly older banks or government offices — may be unfamiliar with remote notarization and ask for an in-person notarization instead, even if it is legal. If that happens, you can ask them to contact their legal department, or you can get the document notarized in person to avoid the back-and-forth.
How to Find and Book a Remote Notary
The largest remote notary platforms are Notarize, NotaryCam, Notary.com, and LegitScript-certified services. You can also search "remote notary near me" or "online notary [your state]" to find local services. Many title companies, law firms, and real estate agencies offer remote notarization to their clients, so if you are working with one of those, ask whether they provide it.
When you choose a service, check that the notary is licensed in your state — this is critical. The notary's license number should be visible on the platform or in their profile. You can verify the license by searching your state's secretary of state website. Some states maintain a public database of notaries; others do not, but the secretary of state office can tell you how to verify.
Book at least a few days in advance if possible, though many services offer same-day or next-day appointments. Have your ID and document ready before you call, and test your internet and camera beforehand so there are no delays during the appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a remote notarization legally binding?
Yes, remote notarization is legally binding in all 50 states for documents your state permits. The notary is licensed and the video recording serves as proof. Courts and institutions recognize remote notarizations the same way they recognize in-person ones, as long as the document type is may be able to access in your state.
What if I do not have a printer?
Some remote notary platforms let you sign electronically on screen, so you do not need to print. Others require a printed copy. When you book, ask the service whether you can sign digitally or whether you must print. If you must print but do not have a printer, you can print at a library, FedEx, or UPS store for a small fee.
Can someone else sign the document on my behalf?
No. The person whose signature is being notarized must be the one on the video call. The notary is verifying that person's identity and witnessing their signature. If someone else signs, the notarization is invalid.
What happens if my internet cuts out during the call?
If the connection drops before the notary adds their seal, the notarization is incomplete and you will need to reschedule. Most services do not charge for a rescheduled appointment if the problem was on their end. If it was your internet, some services may charge a rescheduling fee. Ask about their policy when you book.
Do I need to tell the institution receiving the document that it was notarized remotely?
No. The notarized document looks the same whether it was done remotely or in person — it has the notary's seal, signature, and license number. You do not need to disclose how it was notarized. However, if an institution questions it, you can provide the video recording as proof.