Is online notarization legal?

Asked by: Helena Nolan  |  Last update: November 11, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (75 votes)

Is online notary legal in the US? Yes, online notary is legal in most U.S. states. As of 2024, 47 states and the District of Columbia have enacted laws allowing for some form of remote online notarization. However, the specific requirements and regulations can vary by state.

Is online notary legal in Canada?

Online notary services are legal.

Yes. Traditionally notary public and commissioning services have required clients to physically be in the presence of a notary public.

Are online notaries accepted?

Can a California resident use an online rather than a traditional in-person notary? Yes! Californians looking to have their documents notarized remotely can access these services in any other state that currently offers remote online notarization.

What are the cons of remote online notarization?

Why You Shouldn't Use an Online Notary
  • Here we cover six important reasons for NOT using Remote Online Notarization. ...
  • Far Less Secure than In-Person. ...
  • Huge Potential for Fraud. ...
  • Huge Potential for Identity Theft. ...
  • It Costs More. ...
  • You Might Need a Do-Over. ...
  • Unemployment. ...
  • Conclusion.

What is the difference between online and mobile notary?

Traditional notaries validate paper documents with a physical stamp and demand all parties present. Mobile notaries offer convenience by traveling to clients, perfect for urgent needs outside normal hours. Electronic Notarization introduces digital certificates in place of stamps but still requires signers' presence.

Is Online E-notarization Legal and Secure?

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Is being an online notary worth it?

Becoming a successful online notary can be challenging, and profitability will take some time, but if you are patient and market yourself effectively, becoming an online notary can be worthwhile in the long run.

Are mobile notaries legit?

But below the surface, there's also a degree of inconvenience that could be frustrating to people who frequently need notary services. In contrast, using a mobile notary is just as valid but you don't need to reschedule work or travel too far to have your documents notarized.

Can you use DocuSign with a remote notary?

With Docusign Notary, you can: Provide a convenient and efficient experience for your signers, as they can now remotely sign and notarize agreements without the need to meet a notary public in person.

Can you use zoom for remote notarization?

SIGNiX's eNotaryDox integration with Zoom video conferencing facilitates remote notarization providing a better solution for notaries, saving all participants in the process time and money.

How do online notaries get paid?

Remote online notaries typically earn between $25 and $75 per notarization, depending on clients and document types. States with higher demand, like California and New York, offer more earning potential for these professionals.

Can you email notarized documents?

Can you email a notarized document? Even though you are able to email a notarized document, this does not necessarily mean it is going to be accepted. If you plan on submitting a notarized document this way, you should reach out to the other person ahead of time to make sure they will accept it.

What is the best online notary service?

Top 5 Remote Online Notarization Providers
  • 1) DocVerify.
  • 2) Notarize.
  • 3) NotaryCam.
  • 4) SIGNiX.
  • 5) Safedocs.

Does everyone accept online notary?

Yes, online notary is legal in most U.S. states. As of 2024, 47 states and the District of Columbia have enacted laws allowing for some form of remote online notarization. However, the specific requirements and regulations can vary by state.

How to verify an online notary?

To verify an online notarization, you need to check the validity of the notary's digital certificate. This usually involves using software like Adobe Reader to inspect the certificate details.

Can banks in Canada notarize documents?

A notary, also known as a notary public, is a public servant who is appointed by the provincial government to act as an unbiased witness when essential documents are signed. For customers who require documents notarized, most banks and credit unions have a notary public on staff.

Can I notarize a document with an electronic signature?

Remote online notarization (RON)

Keep in mind that the states of California, Missouri, and Illinois do not regulate or approve this process. However, documents electronically notarized in other states are still legally valid when used in these states.

What is the difference between electronic and online notary?

For a notary to perform electronic notarization services, they are still required to meet with the signers in person. Unlike Remote Online Notarization (RON), an electronic notary cannot be carried out remotely.

How do you tell if a document is notarized?

First, everyone involved in the letter has to sign the letter, including the notary public. Then, there will probably be a stamp for the date on which the document was notarized. Furthermore, the notary is also going to include his or her seal on the document.

How long does online notarization take?

Signers complete their notarization in less than 10 minutes on average.

Is online notary worth it?

Remote online notarizations are more secure than traditional, in-person notarizations through a number of key security features, but perhaps the greatest fraud deterrent is the recorded video session.

What is the difference between a mobile notary and a regular notary?

Unlike an in-office or online notary, mobile notaries travel to meet clients in-person. Usually, you must make an appointment and wait to meet a mobile notary at a specified time and location. Fees are typically much higher as you must pay for their travel time and expenses.

How much do most notaries charge?

Notarization fees are regulated by California state law and are generally low-cost. So how much does a notary charge? In most cases, a California notary public may charge a maximum notary fee of $15 for each signature. This includes writing the certificate, affixing the notary stamp, and acknowledging the signature.