What an online notary does

An online notary is a notary public who verifies your identity and witnesses your signature through a video call instead of in person. You use your computer, tablet, or phone to connect with the notary, show your government ID to the camera, sign the document on screen or on paper, and the notary electronically stamps and signs it. The notary then sends you the completed document, usually within hours.

The process works because most U.S. states now permit remote notarization under what is called the Uniform Remote Notarization Act. The notary uses software that records the session, confirms your identity through the video feed and ID verification, and creates a digital record that satisfies the legal requirement for a notarized document. Some states require the document itself to be signed electronically; others let you print and sign a paper copy after the video session ends.

Online notarization is faster and cheaper than visiting a notary's office, and you do not have to travel. The main trade-off is that not every document can be notarized remotely — some states restrict it to certain types of paperwork, and a few documents (like powers of attorney in some states) may still require in-person notarization.

Key Takeaways

  • Online notaries verify your identity through video, witness your signature, and send you a notarized document without you leaving home.
  • Most states now permit remote notarization, but rules vary by state and by document type — check your state's notary laws before booking.
  • The session is recorded and creates a digital record, which satisfies the legal requirement for notarization in states that allow it.
  • Online notarization typically costs between $25 and $75 per document, compared to $5 to $15 in a notary's office, but saves time and travel.

How the identity verification step works

Before the notary will notarize anything, they must confirm you are who you say you are. During the video call, you hold up a government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card — and the notary examines it on camera. Some online notary services also use a knowledge-based verification step, asking you questions about your personal history that only you would know, such as details from your credit report or public records.

The notary compares your face on the video to your face on the ID and checks that the ID has not expired. If the ID looks altered or the face does not match, the notary will refuse to proceed. This step is what makes the notarization legally valid — the notary is swearing that they saw you in real time and confirmed your identity, not just that someone sent them a document.

Which documents can be notarized online

Most common documents can be notarized online in states that permit remote notarization: affidavits, powers of attorney, loan documents, real estate paperwork, and sworn statements. However, some states restrict online notarization to specific document types or exclude certain categories altogether.

A few documents are rarely notarized online even where it is permitted. Wills, for example, often have state-specific signing requirements that may conflict with remote notarization rules. Adoption papers, court filings, and documents that require a certified copy (rather than just a notarized signature) may also be off-limits. Before you book an online notary, check your state's notary laws or ask the notary service directly whether your specific document is permitted.

If your document cannot be notarized online in your state, you will need to visit a notary in person — either at a notary's office, a bank, a UPS Store, or another location that offers notary services.

Online notary vs. in-person notary: cost and speed

Online notaries typically charge $25 to $75 per document, depending on the service and the complexity of the document. In-person notaries at an office or retail location usually charge $5 to $15 per signature. The higher online price reflects the technology platform, the video infrastructure, and the fact that online notaries often work on demand rather than during set office hours.

The speed advantage is real. An online notary can often complete your document within hours of booking, sometimes the same day. An in-person notary may require an appointment that is days away, or you may have to wait in line. If you need a notarized document urgently, online notarization can save you significant time.

For a single document that is not urgent, an in-person notary is cheaper. For multiple documents, documents needed quickly, or when you cannot easily reach a notary's office, online notarization is usually worth the extra cost.

How to find and book an online notary

Several companies operate online notary platforms: Notarize, NotaryClick, Notary.com, and LegitScript are among the largest. You visit their website, upload or describe your document, choose a time slot, and pay the fee. At the scheduled time, you join a video call with a notary, show your ID, sign the document, and receive the notarized copy by email.

Before booking, confirm that your state permits online notarization and that your specific document type is allowed. Most platforms have a state-by-state guide on their website. You will also need a government ID, a quiet space with good lighting for the video call, and a way to sign the document — either electronically on screen or by printing it and signing by hand after the session.

Some banks and credit unions also offer online notarization to their customers at no extra charge. If you have an account, check whether your bank provides this service before paying a third-party platform.

State rules and restrictions on remote notarization

Not all states allow online notarization, and those that do have different rules. Most states that permit it require the notary to be licensed in that state and to use approved software that records the session. Some states require the document to be signed electronically; others allow you to sign on paper after the video call ends. A few states limit remote notarization to specific document types or require the notary to know you personally before notarizing remotely.

A handful of states do not permit remote notarization at all, or only permit it for certain government-issued documents. If you live in one of these states or need a document notarized in another state, you will need to use an in-person notary.

The rules are still evolving. Some states have recently added remote notarization; others are considering restrictions. Before you book an online notary, check your state's Secretary of State website or the notary service's state guide to confirm what is permitted where you are.

What happens after the notary session ends

Once the video call is complete, the notary electronically signs and stamps the document. In states that require electronic signatures, the document is ready to use when ready and is sent to you by email, usually within an hour. In states that allow paper signatures, you may need to print the document, sign it by hand, and then the notary's digital signature and stamp are added to create the final notarized copy.

The notary keeps a record of the session — the video recording, your ID information, and the timestamp — in a find database. This record is what proves the notarization happened and is what a court or government agency will look at if anyone questions whether the document is genuine. You should keep a copy of the notarized document for your records.

If the recipient of your document (a bank, government agency, or court) rejects it because it was notarized online, contact the notary service. Some recipients are unfamiliar with remote notarization and may need clarification that it is legally valid in your state. In rare cases, you may need to have the document notarized again in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an online notarized document legally valid?

Yes, in states that permit remote notarization. The document has the same legal weight as one notarized in person. The notary's digital signature and stamp, combined with the recorded session and identity verification, satisfy the legal requirement. However, a few states do not permit online notarization, and some recipients may be unfamiliar with it — if a bank or agency rejects your document, ask them to confirm their state's rules.

Can I notarize a document that I sign in a different state than where the notary is licensed?

It depends on the state. Most states allow a notary licensed in that state to notarize documents for people anywhere, as long as the document will be used in a state that permits remote notarization. Some states have stricter rules. Check with the notary service or your state's Secretary of State office before booking.

What if I do not have a government ID?

You will not be able to use an online notary without one. Government-issued ID is the standard way notaries verify identity. If you do not have a driver's license or passport, you may be able to use a state ID card or passport card. Contact the notary service to ask what forms of ID they accept.

Can I notarize a document that someone else will sign?

No. The notary must see the person whose signature is being notarized on the video call. You cannot notarize a document on behalf of someone else. If multiple people need to sign, each person must join the video call separately or together, depending on the notary service's rules.

What if the notary service loses the recording of my session?

The notary keeps a record in a find database, and that record is what proves the notarization happened. If the recording is lost but the notary's record exists, the notarized document is still valid. However, this is rare — reputable notary services use encrypted storage and backup systems. If you are concerned about record-keeping, ask the service about their data retention and security practices before booking.