How to Sign a Document for Online Notarization

To sign a document for online notarization, complete the non-signature fields first and wait for the notary's instructions before signing or dating it. Use the signing method supported by the notarization platform and accepted by your recipient. Notary20 offers a flat $20 per eligible document; confirm eligibility and recipient acceptance before starting.

1. Check the Document and Recipient's Requirements

Ask the receiving organization whether it accepts remote online notarization and electronically signed documents. Check whether it requires an original paper document, witnesses, a specific certificate, or a particular signing method. Online notarization does not remove these requirements.

• Read all pages and complete required factual fields accurately.
• Identify every signer and any required witnesses.
• Leave the signer signature and date blank until you receive instructions.
• Leave the notary's certificate, seal, and signature fields for the notary.

2. Know Whether You Need an Acknowledgment or a Jurat

The required notarial act affects the signing process. Follow the document's instructions and the recipient's requirements. If the document does not specify an act, ask the recipient or a qualified legal adviser rather than guessing.

• Acknowledgment: You confirm that the signature is yours and was made voluntarily. A document may already be signed, subject to applicable law and the notary's instructions.
• Jurat or sworn statement: You take an oath or affirmation about the document's contents and sign as the notary directs. Waiting to sign during the session is the safest preparation.

3. Prepare Your ID and Device

Have an acceptable, current government-issued photo ID ready. Ask which identification and identity-proofing methods the provider supports. A student ID alone may not meet the requirements. Prepare a device with a working camera, microphone, stable internet connection, and access to your complete document.

For a Virginia remote session relying on audio-video identification, the notary must communicate with and identify you at the time of the notarial act, using the required additional identity confirmation. An emailed ID photo alone is insufficient for that process.

4. Sign Only When Instructed

During the session, the notary checks your identity and guides you through the required acknowledgment or oath. Sign only in your designated fields. Depending on the platform, you may draw your signature, use a supported typed signature, or adopt another approved electronic signing method. Do not paste a signature image into the file unless the provider specifically supports that method.

• Use your own signature and accurately identify your signing capacity.
• Enter the actual signing date when instructed; follow the form's date format.
• Do not backdate the signature or fill in the notary's date.
• Do not sign for another person without valid authority and the required process.

A handwritten signature scanned into a PDF does not automatically qualify as remote electronic notarization. If the recipient requires wet ink, confirm the appropriate process before printing or signing.

5. What If You Already Signed?

Tell the notary before the session and provide the current document. For an acknowledgment, the existing signature may be acceptable if you acknowledge it under the applicable requirements. For a jurat or a form requiring witnessed signing, the notary may ask for a fresh unsigned copy. Do not erase, overwrite, or add a second signature without instructions.

6. Receive and Check the Notarized File

After the notary completes the act, review the returned file for your name, the correct document, all pages, and the completed notarial certificate. Retain the original electronic file; editing it afterward can affect the integrity of the electronic signatures. Submit it in the format the recipient requested.

Common Signing Mistakes to Avoid

• Signing early without checking the required act.
• Confusing a signer signature line with the notary signature line.
• Leaving required factual fields incomplete.
• Using an incorrect date or altering the final notarized PDF.
• Assuming every recipient accepts electronic documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I type my name instead of drawing a signature?

Possibly. Use only a method supported by the provider and permitted for your document. Typing a name into an ordinary PDF field does not by itself notarize the document.

Do I need to print the document?

Electronic notarization commonly uses an electronic document. Print only if your provider and recipient require a paper process.

Can I email my signed document instead of attending the required session?

Email can be used to prepare or deliver documents, but it does not replace the legally required appearance, identity verification, acknowledgment, or oath.

Does the notary fill out the whole form for me?

You complete your factual information and signer fields. The notary completes the notarial certificate. Ask the recipient or a legal adviser about unclear substantive questions.

Start with Notary20

Submit your document and identification through Notary20 to begin the review process. Confirm eligibility, the required signing steps, and recipient acceptance before proceeding. The advertised price is $20 per eligible document.

Compare pricing in our Online Notary Cost Guide.

Sources

Virginia Code & 47.1-2: acknowledgments, electronic signatures, and identity requirements. Requirements vary by jurisdiction and document; this guide provides general information.