Complete guide to getting your power of attorney documents notarized remotely - fast, legal, and secure from anywhere.
Yes, you can notarize a power of attorney online in most states using Remote Online Notarization (RON). The process takes 10-15 minutes and costs $15-$39. You'll need valid ID, a webcam, and internet connection. Services like Notarize and NotaryLive are available 24/7.
A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document that grants someone (called the "agent" or "attorney-in-fact") the authority to act on your behalf in legal, financial, or healthcare matters. POAs are commonly used for:
In most states, a Power of Attorney document must be notarized to be legally valid and enforceable.
Yes, absolutely! Remote Online Notarization (RON) is now legal in all 50 states for power of attorney documents. Here's what you need to know:
While RON is legal nationwide, some states have specific requirements for POA documents (witness signatures, specific wording, etc.). Always check your state's requirements or consult with an attorney.
Getting your POA notarized online is straightforward. Here's the complete process:
Use a state-specific POA template or have an attorney draft one. Make sure it includes:
Important: Do NOT sign the document yet - you must sign it during the video notarization session.
Select a RON platform that's available in your state. Popular options include:
Create an account and upload your unsigned POA document (PDF format recommended).
The platform will verify your identity using:
This process takes 2-3 minutes and ensures legal compliance.
You'll connect with a commissioned notary via live video call. During the session:
This typically takes 5-10 minutes.
After notarization, you'll receive:
Download and save multiple copies. You can print the PDF for physical submission if needed.
To notarize your power of attorney online, you'll need:
Driver's license, passport, or state-issued ID (not expired)
Laptop, desktop, tablet, or smartphone with webcam
Stable internet for video call (WiFi or cellular data)
Unsigned PDF ready for electronic signing
Some states require witnesses in addition to notarization. Common requirements:
Many RON platforms can arrange remote witnesses if required by your state.
These platforms specialize in notarizing legal documents including power of attorney:
While RON is legal in all states, power of attorney documents may have specific state requirements:
For specific state requirements, visit our state-by-state guide or consult with a local attorney. RON platforms can also guide you on state-specific requirements during the notarization process.
Online notarization for power of attorney documents typically costs:
Compared to in-person: Traditional notary fees are $5-$15 per signature, but you save on travel time, gas, and the ability to do it 24/7 from home.
Get your POA notarized online in 10-15 minutes. Available 24/7, legal in all 50 states.
Compare Platforms →Yes, absolutely. Remote Online Notarization (RON) is legal in all 50 states as of 2023, thanks to the SECURE Notarization Act. Online notarized POAs have the same legal validity as in-person notarizations and are accepted by courts, banks, and government agencies nationwide.
It depends on your state. Most states only require notarization, but Florida, Pennsylvania, Georgia, and South Carolina require witness signatures in addition to notarization. Many RON platforms can arrange remote witnesses if needed. Check your state's specific requirements before starting.
Yes, durable power of attorney documents can be notarized online just like standard POAs. The "durable" designation simply means the POA remains in effect if you become incapacitated. The notarization process is identical to other types of power of attorney.
The entire process takes 10-15 minutes on average. This includes creating an account (2 minutes), identity verification (2-3 minutes), waiting for a notary (2-5 minutes), and the video notarization session (5-10 minutes). Many platforms offer 24/7 service with minimal wait times.
This is extremely rare now. Federal law requires all institutions to accept RON notarizations. If you encounter resistance, print the notarized PDF (which includes the notary's electronic seal) and reference the SECURE Notarization Act. You can also provide the notarization certificate showing the full audit trail.
No, the person granting the power of attorney (the "principal") must personally appear before the notary and sign the document themselves. This is a legal requirement to prevent fraud. However, you can help them set up the online notarization session and be present for support (off-camera).
Never sign before the video call. The notary must witness you signing the document in real-time during the video session. This is a critical legal requirement. Upload your unsigned POA document to the platform, and you'll sign it electronically during the video notarization.
Yes, federal law requires all states to accept notarizations performed in other states, including online notarizations. A POA notarized online in Virginia is valid in California, Texas, or any other state. This is guaranteed by the Full Faith and Credit Clause of the U.S. Constitution.
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