Remote Notarization for International Documents: What You Need to Know

Yes, you can use remote online notarization for many documents bound for use in another country, but international documents come with an extra layer of complexity. Beyond the notarization itself, most documents used abroad also need an apostille or authentication, and acceptance depends entirely on the destination country’s rules. Getting the order and requirements right is what makes the difference between a document that’s accepted overseas and one that’s rejected.

Here’s what you need to know about remote notarization for international documents, including apostilles, acceptance abroad, and how to avoid costly mistakes.

Can International Documents Be Notarized Remotely?

In most cases, yes. If you’re in the U.S. (or working with a U.S. notary) and your document is headed abroad, remote online notarization (RON) can handle the notarization step, connecting you with a commissioned notary over secure video without an in-person visit. Common international-use documents include powers of attorney, affidavits, corporate and business documents, educational records, and consent or authorization letters. For background on the process, see how remote notary works.

The Key Extra Step: Apostilles and Authentication

This is what sets international documents apart. Notarization alone usually isn’t enough for a document to be recognized in another country. Most require one of two additional certifications:

• Apostille: If the destination country is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, your notarized document needs an apostille, a standardized certificate issued by the relevant state authority (usually the Secretary of State) that authenticates the notary’s commission.
• Authentication / legalization: If the destination country is NOT part of the Hague Convention, the document typically goes through a longer chain of authentication, often involving the Secretary of State, the U.S. Department of State, and the destination country’s embassy or consulate.

The critical point: the document must be notarized first, then apostilled or authenticated. Getting a remote notarization is step one, not the whole process.

Will a Remotely Notarized Document Be Accepted Abroad?

This is the question that matters most, and the honest answer is: it depends on the receiving country and institution. Some foreign authorities readily accept documents that were notarized remotely and properly apostilled; others still expect traditional wet-ink notarization. Before you notarize remotely for international use, confirm two things with the receiving party abroad:

• Whether they accept a document notarized via remote online notarization.
• Whether they require an apostille, full authentication, or a certified translation.

Confirming this upfront can save you weeks of delay and the cost of redoing the entire process.

Common Mistakes to Avoid With International Documents

• Assuming notarization is enough: Most international documents also need an apostille or authentication.
• Skipping confirmation with the receiving country: Acceptance of RON varies widely abroad, always verify first.
• Forgetting translation requirements: Many countries require a certified translation alongside the notarized document.
• Getting the order wrong: Notarize first, then apostille or authenticate, never the reverse.

Is Remote Notarization Available in Your State?

Remote online notarization is authorized in most U.S. states, though a few, including California (not operational until 2030) and Georgia, don’t yet permit it for their own notaries. If your state doesn’t offer RON, you can often use a notary in a full-RON state, then obtain the apostille from the state where the notarization was performed. Check your state on our RON legality by state pages.

Ready to Notarize an International Document?

Start by confirming your destination country’s requirements, then get the notarization handled quickly online. Compare trusted providers in our guide to the best online notary services, or read how to notarize documents online for the full process. Remember to arrange your apostille or authentication after the notarization is complete.