How to Verify the Legitimacy of a Remote Notary

To verify that a remote notary is legitimate, confirm three things: that they hold an active commission in a state that permits remote online notarization, that they use a compliant platform with proper identity verification, and that they follow the full notarial process without cutting corners. The single safest step you can take is to use an established online notary service rather than an unknown individual.

With remote notarization now common, so are fake “notary” scams. Here’s how to confirm a remote notary is real, spot the warning signs of a fraud, and protect yourself.

Why Verifying a Remote Notary Matters

Because remote notarization happens online, it’s easier for bad actors to pose as legitimate notaries, set up a convincing website, take your money and personal documents, and either disappear or produce an invalid notarization. A notarization performed by someone who isn’t properly commissioned is worthless, and worse, you may have handed sensitive information to a scammer. Verifying legitimacy first protects both your documents and your identity.

How to Verify a Remote Notary Is Legitimate

1. Confirm State Authorization

A legitimate remote notary must be commissioned in a state that permits remote online notarization. A few states, including California (not operational until 2030) and Georgia, don’t yet authorize their own notaries for RON. Check which states allow it on our RON legality by state pages, and make sure the notary is authorized to perform the act you need.

2. Verify the Notary’s Commission Status

Every state maintains a public record of commissioned notaries, usually searchable on the Secretary of State’s website. Look up the notary’s name to confirm their commission number, active status, and expiration date. A real notary’s commission will be verifiable through this official record, and if you can’t find them, that’s a serious red flag.

3. Check the Platform and Security Measures

A legitimate remote notarization runs on a secure, compliant platform with proper identity verification, not a casual video call. The service should use knowledge-based authentication and credential analysis, and should be transparent about its security. Learn what proper verification looks like in how remote notaries verify your identity.

4. Look for Reviews and a Real Track Record

Check reputable review sites and the provider’s history. Established online notary services have a verifiable track record and consistent reviews. Be wary of a “notary” with no reviews, no verifiable business presence, or only glowing testimonials that can’t be traced.

Watch for Warning Signs

Beyond confirming credentials, stay alert to signs that a service isn’t legitimate, the biggest being any “notary” who skips identity verification or requests payment through unusual channels like gift cards or wire transfers. For the full list of warning signs, see our guide on the red flags of a fake remote notary service.

The Safest Way to Avoid Fake Notaries

The simplest protection is to skip unknown individuals entirely and use a vetted, established online notary service. These platforms only work with properly commissioned notaries, run compliant identity verification, and have a real business reputation on the line. See our vetted comparison of the best online notary services, or read how to notarize documents online to get started safely.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if an online notary is real?

Look them up in your state’s official notary commission records (usually on the Secretary of State’s website). A legitimate notary will be listed with an active commission. Using an established platform removes the guesswork, since they only use verified, commissioned notaries.

Can a fake remote notarization be legally valid?

No. If the person isn’t a properly commissioned notary in an authorized state, the notarization has no legal standing, and you may need to have the document notarized again by a legitimate notary.

What should I do if I suspect a notary scam?

Stop the transaction, don’t send payment or documents, and report it to your state’s notary regulating authority (typically the Secretary of State). Then use a reputable, verifiable service instead.