Does Online Notary Require a Video Call? What to Expect

If you are wondering whether an online notary requires a video call, the short answer is yes, in most remote online notarizations. The signer and notary normally meet through live, real-time audio-video technology so the notary can confirm identity, communicate with the signer, and complete the notarial act.

Uploading a document, ID, or signature by itself is usually only preparation. It does not replace the live appearance required for a remote online notarization. Exact rules vary by the law governing the notary and by the document recipient.

Why Does an Online Notary Use a Video Call?

Notarization is more than adding a stamp. The notary must perform a specific act, such as taking an acknowledgment or administering an oath or affirmation. A live session lets the notary:

• See and communicate with the signer in real time
• Confirm the signer is present and acting willingly
• Review the signer's identification using the approved process
• Witness the relevant signature or acknowledgment
• Administer an oath or affirmation when the document requires a jurat

For example, Virginia's official notary guidance states that remote notarization requires a video and audio feed and that the participants must simultaneously see and speak to one another through a live, secure transmission.

Is the Video Call Live or Prerecorded?

The session is generally live, not prerecorded. Sending a selfie video or a recording of yourself signing is not the same as appearing before the notary in real time. The notary needs to be able to ask questions, give instructions, and observe the required act as it happens.

The session may also be recorded when required by the applicable state law. The notary or approved platform, rather than the signer, normally handles the official recording and retention process.

How Long Does the Online Notary Video Call Take?

A straightforward session may be brief when the document is ready, the signer has acceptable identification, and the technology works properly. More time may be needed for multiple signers, witnesses, several notarizations, identity-proofing issues, or incomplete documents.

Do not rely on a guaranteed completion time. The document, signer, applicable law, and receiving party can all affect the process.

What Happens During the Video Call?

1. Connect with the notary. Join from a computer, tablet, or smartphone with a working camera and microphone.
2. Confirm your identity. Present acceptable identification and complete any additional identity-proofing steps required by the platform or governing law.
3. Review the document. The notary confirms the document is ready for the requested notarial act without providing legal advice.
4. Sign or acknowledge. Follow the notary's instructions. For a jurat, you may also take an oath or affirmation.
5. Notary completion. The notary completes the electronic notarial certificate and applies the authorized electronic signature and seal.
6. Receive the file. The completed electronic document is returned according to the service workflow.

Do I Need to Show My Face?

Yes. The notary normally needs a clear view of your face during the live session. Choose a well-lit, quiet location and avoid strong backlighting. Your camera should remain available for the entire notarial act.

You may also need to hold your ID near the camera or submit images of it through a secure identity-verification process. Never email sensitive identification to an unverified recipient.

Can I Sign Before the Video Call?

It depends on the notarial act. With an acknowledgment, a signature may sometimes already exist, but the signer must personally acknowledge it to the notary. With a jurat, the signer is generally expected to sign in the notary's presence after taking an oath or affirmation.

What Do You Need for the Session?

• A computer, tablet, or smartphone with a camera and microphone
• A stable internet connection and a supported browser or app
• An acceptable, unexpired government-issued photo ID
• The complete document in the required electronic format
• Any required witnesses, arranged in advance
• A quiet, well-lit place where you can speak privately

Online Notary Video Call vs Document Upload

Are There Any Exceptions?

Some services use the phrase "online notary" loosely. A website may only help you upload a document, schedule an in-person appointment, or prepare paperwork. Those services do not necessarily perform remote online notarization.

Different procedures may also exist for other electronic witnessing or identity-verification services, but they should not be confused with a notarial act. If a provider says no live appearance is required, ask which state's law authorizes the procedure and what type of notarial act will be completed.

Will the Receiving Party Accept Online Notarization?

Remote online notarization is widely used, but acceptance is not automatic for every document or recipient. Courts, government agencies, foreign authorities, lenders, title companies, schools, and private organizations may impose their own format, witness, wet-ink, apostille, or original-document rules.

Confirm acceptance before paying, especially for international use, estate-planning documents, court filings, real-estate transactions, vital records, or documents that expressly prohibit electronic signatures.

Start with Notary20

Notary20 offers remote online notarization for eligible documents for $20 per notarized document. Submit your document for review, confirm that the receiving party accepts remote online notarization, and follow the notary's instructions for identity verification and the live session.

To compare typical pricing before you begin, read the Online Notary Cost Guide.

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