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Online notary guide

How online notarization works, and when it’s accepted

Remote online notarization lets a commissioned notary watch you sign over live video, then seal the document electronically. It’s legal in most states and takes minutes. Here’s exactly what happens, what you need, and the one check to do before you start.

Before you start

Ask whoever will receive your document whether they accept an electronically notarized copy. Most do, but some banks, courts and county recorders still require wet ink. That one question can save you a second notarization.

What you’ll need

  • Your unsigned document as a PDF or a clear photo
  • A valid government-issued photo ID
  • A computer or phone with a camera, microphone and a stable connection
  • About 15 minutes somewhere quiet

Step by step

1
Upload your document
Don’t sign it beforehand. The notary needs to see you sign.
2
Verify your identity
You’ll scan your ID and usually answer a few knowledge-based questions drawn from public records. Signers without a U.S. credit history may need an alternative check.
3
Meet the notary on video
The notary confirms who you are, watches you sign electronically, and asks you to confirm you’re signing willingly.
4
Get your sealed document
The notary applies an electronic seal and certificate. You download the finished document, and the session recording is kept as the law requires.
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Is it legal where I live?

Most U.S. states have laws authorizing remote online notarization, and documents notarized this way are generally recognized in other states. Rules on things like ID checks and recordkeeping vary by state, which is why reputable services only use notaries commissioned for online work.

When to use an in-person notary instead
  • The recipient specifically asks for a wet-ink signature
  • You can’t complete the online identity check
  • The document type or county has its own in-person requirement
For these, your bank (often free for customers), a local mobile notary or a shipping store with an in-person notary is usually the quickest option. In-person notary fees are capped by law in many states.

Online notarization FAQs

How much does online notarization cost?

The major platforms start at $25 for your first seal. Extra seals, extra signers and witnesses cost more; see our side-by-side comparison.

Is an online notarization as valid as in-person?

Generally, yes, when it’s done by a notary commissioned for remote online notarization. It carries the same legal weight in most cases, but some recipients still ask for wet ink.

Can I use it from outside the U.S.?

Often, yes. The identity check usually relies on U.S. records, so signers abroad may need a provider like NotaryCam that supports signers without a U.S. Social Security number.