β Quick Answer
Yes, you can notarize documents online in minutes. The process takes 15-30 minutes, costs $15-35 per document, and requires a valid ID, webcam, and internet connection. Online notarization (RON) is legal in 47+ states and available 24/7 through platforms like Notarize and NotaryLive.
- Valid government-issued ID (driver's license or passport)
- Computer or smartphone with camera
- Stable internet connection (10+ Mbps)
- Document to notarize (PDF format)
- 15-30 minutes of your time
π Table of Contents
What is Online Notarization?
Remote Online Notarization (RON) allows you to get documents legally notarized through a secure video call with a licensed notary public. Instead of driving to a notary office, waiting in line, and scheduling around business hours, you can complete the entire process from your home, office, or anywhere with internet access.
The process is 100% legal and accepted in 47+ states, with federal recognition ensuring interstate validity. Online notarization uses advanced identity verification technology, encrypted video sessions, and tamper-evident digital seals to provide even greater security than traditional in-person notarization.
π― Why Choose Online Notarization?
β Convenience: Available 24/7 from anywhere
β‘ Speed: Done in 15-30 minutes total
π° Value: Saves time + travel costs
π Security: Bank-level encryption
π± Easy: Works on any device
βοΈ Legal: Valid in 47+ states
Best Online Notary Platforms (2025)
Based on our testing and user reviews, here are the top platforms for online notarization:
Quick Comparison Table
| Platform | Cost | Wait Time | Availability | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Notarize β | $25 | 15 min | 24/7 | Urgent needs | βββββ 4.8 |
| NotaryLive π° | $15-20 | 30-60 min | Business hrs | Budget users | ββββ 4.5 |
| Proof | $25 | 20 min | 24/7 | Business docs | ββββ 4.6 |
| DocVerify | $30 | Variable | Business hrs | Real estate | ββββ 4.3 |
Step-by-Step: How to Notarize Documents Online
Follow these 5 simple steps to get your document notarized online in 15-30 minutes:
Choose Your Platform
Select a trusted online notary platform. For fastest service and best experience, we recommend Notarize (available 24/7 with 15-minute average wait time).
Create Account & Upload Document
What you'll do:
- Create free account (2 minutes, email required)
- Upload your document in PDF format
- Select document type (power of attorney, affidavit, etc.)
- Choose notarization type needed (acknowledgment, jurat, etc.)
π‘ Tip: Make sure your document is complete and ready to sign before uploading. You cannot edit it during the notarization.
Verify Your Identity
You'll need:
- β Valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, state ID)
- β Smartphone or webcam for photos
- β Well-lit space (important for ID verification)
The process:
- Take photo of ID front and back
- Take a selfie
- Answer knowledge-based questions (sometimes required)
- Verification completes in 2-3 minutes
π Security: All platforms use bank-level encryption. Your ID information is never shared or sold.
Join Video Call with Notary
Once your identity is verified, you'll be connected with a licensed notary public via secure video call.
What happens:
- Wait time: 5-30 minutes depending on platform (Notarize averages 15 min)
- Session length: 5-10 minutes
- Recording: Session is recorded for legal compliance (required by law)
- Interaction: Notary verifies your identity visually and reviews the document
π¬ What to expect: The notary will ask you to confirm your identity, explain what document you're signing, and verify you're signing willingly without coercion.
Sign Electronically & Receive Document
Final steps:
- Sign the document electronically on screen (use mouse or touchscreen)
- Notary applies their official electronic seal and signature
- Document is now legally notarized!
- Download PDF immediately
- Email copy sent to you automatically
β Done! Your notarized document is legally valid and can be used immediately. Keep the digital copy safe and print if needed.
Ready to Get Started?
Most people complete the process in under 20 minutes
How Much Does Online Notarization Cost?
Online notarization costs vary by platform and urgency:
π° Pricing Breakdown
Compare online vs. in-person costs
Online Notary Platforms
- Notarize: $25
- NotaryLive: $15-20
- Proof: $25
- DocVerify: $30
β‘ Done in 15-30 minutes
In-Person (for comparison)
- Notary fee: $5-15
- Travel costs: $5-10
- Time cost: $50-75
- Total: $60-100
β° Takes 2-3 hours + hassle
π‘ Online notarization actually SAVES you money when you factor in time and travel!
Is Online Notarization Legal?
β YES - 100% Legal
Remote Online Notarization is legal in 47+ states as of 2025 and has full federal recognition under the SECURE Notarization Act.
Fully Legal States (47)
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, and Washington D.C.
β 100% Legally Binding: Documents are recognized nationwide and internationally.
Pending Legislation (3)
A few states are currently reviewing RON legislation. Check our state-by-state legal guides for the latest updates.
π Important Note:
Even if your state hasn't authorized RON yet, you may still be able to use notaries from other states for certain documents. Federal documents and interstate commerce documents are accepted nationwide.
ποΈ Federal Recognition:
The SECURE Notarization Act provides nationwide validity for RON documents, ensuring your notarized documents are accepted across all state lines and by federal agencies.
What Documents Can Be Notarized Online?
Most personal and business documents can be notarized online, including:
π Personal Documents
- Power of Attorney
- Living Will / Advance Directive
- Affidavits
- Consent Forms
- Permission Letters
- Statutory Declarations
πΌ Business Documents
- Contracts & Agreements
- Operating Agreements
- Board Resolutions
- Commercial Leases
- Business Licenses
π Real Estate
- Loan Documents
- Refinancing Paperwork
- Property Deeds
- Lease Agreements
- Disclosure Forms
π International
- Apostille Documents
- Immigration Papers
- International Contracts
- Foreign Business Docs
β οΈ Documents that CANNOT be notarized online (varies by state):
- β’ Birth/death certificates (most states)
- β’ Certain court documents
- β’ Some adoption papers
- β’ Specific state-mandated forms
Always check your state's specific requirements or ask the platform.
Online vs In-Person Notarization: Which is Better?
| Factor | Online (Notarize) | In-Person |
|---|---|---|
| Total Time | 15-30 minutes | 2-4 hours |
| Cost | $25 | $5-15 + $50-75 time value |
| Availability | 24/7/365 | Business hours only |
| Convenience | From anywhere | Must travel to location |
| Wait Time | 5-30 minutes | 30-60+ minutes |
| Security | Recorded + encrypted | No recording |
| Legal Validity | β Same as in-person | β Fully legal |
π Winner: Online notarization for convenience, speed, and total value
Frequently Asked Questions
Is online notarization as legal as in-person?
Yes, absolutely. Remote Online Notarization has the same legal validity as traditional in-person notarization in all states where it's authorized. Federal law (SECURE Notarization Act) ensures interstate recognition, meaning documents notarized online in one state are valid in other states.
How long does online notarization take?
The entire process takes 15-30 minutes from start to finish. With Notarize, the average wait time to connect with a notary is 15 minutes, and the actual video session takes 5-10 minutes. Total time investment is much less than driving to a physical notary location.
Can I notarize documents at night or on weekends?
Yes with certain platforms. Notarize offers true 24/7/365 service, including nights, weekends, and holidays. You can get documents notarized at 2am on Christmas if needed. NotaryLive and some other platforms operate during business hours only.
What if I don't have a printer?
No printer needed! Online notarization produces digital PDFs with the notary's electronic seal. You can email the notarized document directly to whoever needs it, save it to cloud storage, or print it later only if required. Most recipients accept digital notarized documents.
Is my personal information secure?
Yes. All reputable platforms use bank-level 256-bit SSL encryption, are SOC 2 certified, and comply with MISMO security standards. Sessions are recorded and stored securely (required by law), but your ID information is never shared or sold. Online notarization is actually MORE secure than in-person because there's a complete audit trail.
How much does online notarization cost?
$15-35 per document depending on platform and urgency. Notarize charges $25 for standard service with 24/7 availability. NotaryLive charges $15-20 but operates business hours only. While this is higher than the $5-15 for in-person, it saves 2-3 hours of your time plus travel costs, making it more cost-effective overall.
Can I notarize documents for someone in another state?
Yes! As long as both states allow RON, you can notarize documents online regardless of your physical location or the notary's location. This is one of the biggest advantages of online notarization - true geographic flexibility.
What equipment do I need?
You need: (1) A computer, tablet, or smartphone with camera, (2) Stable internet connection (10+ Mbps), (3) Valid government-issued ID, (4) Your document in PDF format, (5) A well-lit space. Most people already have everything they need!
Ready to Notarize Your Document?
Join 1M+ people who've gone digital with their notarization
β±οΈ Takes 15-30 minutes β’ π° From $15+ β’ π Bank-level security β’ β Legal in 47+ states
Notarize
Our #1 Pick
Best for fast, reliable 24/7 service
- Available 24/7 including holidays
- Fastest average service
- Best mobile app
- 1M+ satisfied customers
No credit card required to sign up
NotaryLive
Best Value
Best for budget-conscious users
- Lowest cost option
- Good platform reliability
- MISMO certified
- Simple interface
Save $5-10 vs other platforms
π Related Guides
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Last Updated: November 6, 2025
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