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Are you wondering whether your documents will be legal and accepted if you notarize them online in your state?
Read this article to find out which states accept online notarization.
SPOILER: All states accept documents that were notarized online, but only some states allow their notaries to notarize documents remotely.
When Do I Need a Notary and Why is it Required?
If you’re wondering when you might need a notary, here are some examples:
- Power of attorney;
- Sale of business, assets, high-value objects, home;
- Contract;
- Lease;
- Will; and
- Document validation.
Notary services are important because they serve as an anti-fraud measure. Ensuring that the important documents are signed by the right person and that they have not been tampered with.
While sometimes it’s optional to use a notary, most of the time it’s a requirement when it comes to any of the above examples.
Can I Notarize a Document That Was Emailed to Me?
Yes, you can notarize a document that was emailed to you. There are three ways you can do this. You can print the document and have it signed by a notary in person. You can have it electronically notarized in person, or you can have it electronically notarized online.
Where to Go to Sign a Document with a Notary? Where to Get a Notary Stamp?
If you want to notarize your documents in person but don’t know where to go, then the easiest way is to look for a ‘notary public near me’ online. You’ll get suggestions of notary offices that are located nearby. You can also go to your bank, usually, there is a notary on site.
Is There a Notary Who Will Come to Me?
If you’re unable to make it to a notary, don’t worry. You don’t have to look for a notary who will come to you. You can look for a remote notary.
Does Notarization Have to be in Person? Can I Virtually Notarize a Document?
Due to the recent legislation changes, notarization doesn’t have to be in person anymore. A notary can do its job online, allowing you to virtually notarize documents.
Online notarization happens via video conferencing software like Zoom, Teams, FaceTime, or Skype. This depends on the preference of the notary.
Remote Notary; Which States Allow Remote Electronic Notarization?
When it comes to remote notarization there are two parts of the narrative you need to understand.
E-Signatures (E-SIGN)
The basis for remote notarization is the country-wide acceptance of E-Signatures. E-Signatures are a replacement for the traditional pen on paper signatures. They happen through software that allows the interested parties to complete the signing process electronically.
All remote notarization is done with E-SIGN.
E-SIGN is approved by all states.
Remote Online Notarization (RON)
RON refers to the actual act of notarizing a document without being physically present in the room with the notary. Not all states have passed legislation that allows the notaries to perform RON.
However, all states accept E-SIGN. And a document notarized in one state is recognized in all the other states.
So, a notary from Alaska, where RON is legal, can notarize a document remotely for a person who is from, or lives in, a state where RON is illegal. That document will be recognized in the states that don’t allow RON.
Which States Accept Remote Notarization?
All states will accept remotely notarized documents. But only the following states allow their notaries to notarize documents online:
Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin.
Can Any Notary Notarize Online?
No, only a notary commissioned by a state where RON is legal can notarize documents online. The Notary has to be in the state while performing the digital notarization in order for it to be legal.
How do I notarize a document remotely/Get an Electronic Notary Seal
This is how you notarize a document remotely
Step 1: Find a Remote Notary Service
We offer a remote notary service that is modern, easy to use, and fast.
Step 2: Create an Account with an E-Notary
Some notaries will charge you sign up fees and make you go through a long sign up and verification process.
Our registration process only takes a few minutes and is free. You only pay for the document you notarize.
Step 3: Book an Appointment with the Notary
Use our modern dashboard to make an appointment with a notary that’s 100% authorized to conduct online notarization.
Step 4: Upload Your Documents
Upload the documents you’d like us to notarize to the dashboard. Your notary will pick it up on the other side in preparation for your appointment.
Step 5: Virtually Attend Your E-Notarization Appointment
Simply log in to the platform at the set time and date, and attend the appointment with a click of a button. The notary will walk you through the process
How Much Does a Notary Cost?
Online notarization costs just $37 per document. No hidden fees.
Remote Online Notary Service Providers
Click here to see our remote online notary service page. Learn more about the service and register your account.
