How Does Online Notarization Work? 5 Simple Steps Before You Pay $20
If you are asking how does online notarization work, you probably want a simple answer: can you really get a document notarized from home, and what actually happens during the online session?
The short answer is yes, for many eligible documents. Instead of visiting a bank, UPS store, or local office, you meet with a notary through a live online session. The notary verifies your identity, reviews the document, watches the signing when required, completes the notarial certificate, and sends back the notarized file.
What Is Online Notarization?
Online notarization, also called remote online notarization or RON, is a notarization completed through secure online technology. The signer and notary do not need to be in the same physical room. Instead, they meet through a live video session.
This is different from simply emailing a signed document to a notary. A real notarization still requires identity verification, personal appearance before the notary, document review, and completion of the correct notarial certificate. The difference is that the meeting happens online instead of in person.
Step 1: Prepare Your Document
First, prepare the document you need notarized. For online notarization, the document is usually handled in digital format, often as a PDF.
Common documents people notarize online include:
- affidavits
- declarations
- passport copies
- power of attorney documents
- travel consent forms
- DS-3053 forms
- bank forms
- lease-related documents
- personal statements
- other eligible PDF documents
Before starting, check whether the receiving party accepts remote online notarization. Some agencies, companies, courts, or institutions may have their own document rules.
Step 2: Prepare Your Photo ID
Next, prepare a valid government-issued photo ID. This may include a passport, driver's license, state ID, or another accepted identification document.
The notary must be able to confirm that the person signing the document is the person who appears before the notary. For online notarization, this identity check happens remotely during the process.
Step 3: Join the Live Online Session
After your document and ID are ready, you join a live online notarization session. You will need a phone, tablet, or computer with a camera and microphone. You should also have a stable internet connection and a quiet place to complete the session.
During the session, the notary may ask you to show your ID, confirm your name, confirm that you understand the document, and confirm that you are signing willingly. This is similar to an in-person notary appointment, but it happens through live video.
Step 4: Sign When the Notary Instructs You
Do not sign too early unless you are specifically told to do so. For many notarizations, the notary needs to watch you sign during the live session.
This is one of the most common mistakes people make. They sign the document before the session, then discover that the notarization cannot be completed properly without a fresh signature or corrected workflow.
If your document already has a signature, ask whether it can still be notarized or whether you need to sign again during the session.
Step 5: Receive the Notarized PDF
After the notary completes the notarial certificate and applies the required electronic notary information, the completed file is returned to you. For many online notarization requests, this means you receive a notarized PDF by email.
That is one reason people choose online notarization. They do not want to drive to a branch, wait in line, scan paper afterward, or mail a physical copy unless the recipient requires it.
How Online Notarization Compares With In-Person Notarization
| Feature | In-Person Notarization | Online Notarization |
|---|---|---|
| Location | You visit a bank, store, office, or mobile notary | You complete the session from home |
| Identity check | You show ID in person | You show ID through the online process |
| Signing | You sign in front of the notary | You sign during the live online session when required |
| Schedule | Limited by local hours and appointments | Better fit for evening, urgent, or remote needs |
| Document return | Often paper-first | Usually a notarized PDF by email |
| Convenience | Travel and waiting may be required | No driving or branch visit needed |
What You Need Before Starting
To make the process smooth, prepare these items:
- a valid government-issued photo ID
- your document in PDF or digital format
- a phone, tablet, or computer with camera and microphone
- a stable internet connection
- access to your email
- a quiet place for the live session
If your document requires witnesses, special wording, wet ink originals, or apostille after notarization, confirm those requirements before starting. Online notarization can be fast, but the receiving party's rules still matter.
How Much Does Online Notarization Cost?
Online notary prices can vary by platform, document type, and service model. Some platforms charge more for extra services, multiple signers, or additional documents.
At Notary20, the pricing is simple: $20 per document.
That flat price works well for people who need one common document notarized online without a complicated process. If you want a broader pricing comparison, read our full guide here:
When Online Notarization Is the Easiest Option
Online notarization is especially useful when:
- you need a document notarized today
- you need help after work or at night
- you do not want to drive to a bank or UPS store
- you are outside your local area
- your document is already a PDF
- you want the notarized document returned by email
- you prefer a simple flat price
You can also read our related guide: How to Notarize Documents Online.
Important Limits to Check First
Online notarization is useful, but it is not the right fit for every document. Before ordering, check whether the receiving party accepts a remotely notarized electronic document.
- some documents still require wet ink originals
- some agencies have special filing rules
- some documents require witnesses
- some international uses may require apostille or paper delivery later
- some institutions may prefer their own form or wording
The best question is not only "Can this be notarized online?" It is also "Will the recipient accept the online notarized version?"
Why People Choose Notary20
Notary20 is designed for people who want a simple, affordable online notarization process. The focus is not complicated software or confusing pricing. The focus is helping you complete an eligible document online for a clear flat price.
With Notary20, you can handle the process remotely, verify your identity, complete the live session, and receive the notarized document by email. For many one-document situations, that is easier than calling local branches, driving to a store, or waiting for the next business day.
Start Your Online Notarization
If your document is eligible for online notarization and you want a simple path, start here:
FAQ
How does online notarization work?
Online notarization usually works by preparing your document, verifying your identity, joining a live online session with a notary, signing when required, and receiving the completed notarized file electronically.
Do I need to appear before the notary?
Yes. In online notarization, you still appear before the notary, but you do it through live audio-video technology instead of being physically present in the same room.
Can I sign before the online notary session?
Do not sign too early unless you are instructed to do so. For many notarizations, the notary needs to watch you sign during the live session.
What documents can be notarized online?
Many common personal documents may be eligible, such as affidavits, declarations, passport copies, travel consent forms, power of attorney documents, bank forms, and other PDF documents. Acceptance depends on the document type and the receiving party.
How much does online notarization cost?
Prices vary by provider, but Notary20 offers eligible online notarization for a flat $20 per document.
Is online notarization faster than going to a bank?
Often, yes. If you need a document notarized after work, at night, or without driving to a branch, online notarization may be much faster and more convenient.