What Documents Can Be Notarized Online?

Understanding Remote Notarization

Remote notarization lets you have documents notarized without meeting in person. Using video conferencing, a remote notary validates your identity and witnesses your signature from anywhere. Because the session is recorded and identity is verified digitally through credential analysis and knowledge-based authentication, the result is a legally valid notarization in states where remote online notarization (RON) is authorized.

Types of Documents That Can Be Notarized Online

A wide range of personal, legal, financial, and business documents can be notarized remotely. Below are the most common ones people notarize online, along with what to keep in mind for each.

Affidavits

Affidavits are sworn written statements used as evidence in legal, financial, and administrative matters. Because they require the signer to swear to the truth of the contents before a notary, they’re one of the most frequently notarized documents — and they translate cleanly to an online session.

Powers of Attorney

A power of attorney authorizes someone to act on your behalf in legal or financial matters. These are commonly notarized online, though a handful of states have specific rules for POAs, so it’s worth confirming your state allows remote notarization for this document type before your session.

Wills and Testaments

Last will and testament documents can sometimes be notarized online, but this is the most state-dependent category on the list. Some states require in-person witnessing for wills or have not extended RON to them. Always verify your state’s rules before attempting to notarize a will remotely.

Real Estate Documents

Deeds, property transfers, and other real estate documents are frequently notarized online, especially for out-of-state buyers and sellers who can’t attend a closing in person. These must comply with state recording requirements, and some counties have specific rules for accepting electronically notarized documents.

Loan and Mortgage Documents

Mortgage closings and loan packages are one of the highest-volume uses of remote online notarization. A single loan package can contain multiple documents requiring notarization, and RON allows the entire closing to be completed by video, often in a fraction of the time an in-person closing takes.

Immigration Documents

Many immigration-related forms, affidavits of support, and declarations require notarization and can be handled remotely. Note that a notary can only notarize signatures — they cannot provide immigration advice or complete forms on your behalf.

Vehicle Titles

Vehicle title transfers often require a notarized signature. Remote notarization is a convenient option here, though acceptance depends on your state’s DMV rules for electronically notarized titles.

Medical and Healthcare Documents

Healthcare directives, medical powers of attorney, and HIPAA authorizations are commonly notarized documents — and RON is especially valuable here, since many people who need these documents have mobility limitations that make in-person visits difficult.

Contracts and Business Documents

Business contracts, employment agreements, lease agreements, and corporate resolutions can often be notarized remotely, making RON a practical tool for companies executing agreements with signers in different locations.

It’s important to note that the specific rules governing which documents can be notarized remotely vary by state.

Documents That Usually Cannot Be Notarized Online

A few document types are commonly restricted from remote notarization, depending on your jurisdiction. These often include:

• Certain wills and codicils in states that require in-person witnessing
• Some court-ordered documents with specific execution requirements
• Documents where the receiving institution explicitly requires wet-ink, in-person notarization

When in doubt, check both your state’s rules and the requirements of whoever will receive the document. For the full breakdown, see our guide on what documents usually cannot be notarized online.

Legal Considerations for Online Notarization

Each state has its own regulations around online notarization. To confirm whether remote notarization is authorized where you are, check our RON legality by state guide. It’s crucial to ensure the document you need notarized is compliant with your state’s laws before booking a session.

How Does Online Notarization Work?

Understanding the process helps you feel more comfortable with it. In most cases you’ll:

• Upload your document to a secure online notary platform
• Verify your identity via credential analysis and knowledge-based questions
• Connect with a commissioned notary on a live video call
• Sign the document electronically while the notary witnesses and applies their seal

The whole session usually takes just a few minutes, and you receive a securely stored, notarized copy afterward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an online notarized document legally valid?

Yes. In states that have authorized remote online notarization, a properly completed online notarization carries the same legal weight as an in-person one, and is generally recognized across state lines.

What do I need to notarize a document online?

You’ll need a valid government-issued ID, a device with a camera and microphone, a stable internet connection, and the document itself. The platform handles the rest.

How much does it cost?

Pricing varies by platform and document type. See our guide to online notary costs for current pricing.

Ready to Notarize Your Document Online?

If your document is on the list above, you can get it notarized online in minutes. See our comparison of the best online notary services, or go straight to notarize your documents online in a few simple steps.