How to Notarize an Affidavit of Identity Online

You may be able to notarize an affidavit of identity online if the notary is authorized to perform remote online notarizations for your situation and the organization receiving the affidavit accepts that format. First, ask the recipient which form and notarial act it requires. Notary20 offers online notarization for eligible documents for $20 per document.

What Is an Affidavit of Identity?

An affidavit of identity is a sworn statement used to confirm facts about a person's identity. Depending on the recipient's purpose, it may ask the signer to confirm a legal name, a former or alternate name, a date of birth, an address, or that two names refer to the same person. There is no single form used for every situation, so get the correct version from the agency, court, employer, bank, title company, or other organization requesting it.

A notarization does not prove that the statements are true or guarantee that a recipient will accept the affidavit. The California Secretary of State explains that a notarial certificate verifies the identity of the signer, not the truthfulness, accuracy, or validity of the document. See its guidance on jurats and acknowledgments.

Does an Affidavit of Identity Need a Jurat?

Many affidavits are notarized with a jurat because the signer is swearing or affirming that the statements are true. In a jurat, the notary administers an oath or affirmation and completes the notarial certificate. An acknowledgment is different: the signer confirms that they signed the document voluntarily; it does not itself include an oath about the statements.

Do not choose or replace the notarial wording based only on the document title. Read the form and follow the receiving organization's instructions. If the form has no certificate or the requested act is unclear, ask the recipient what it needs before the appointment. The notary may explain the difference between notarial acts but cannot choose legal wording for you or advise you what facts to swear to.

Can You Notarize an Affidavit of Identity Online?

Remote online notarization availability depends on the applicable state law, the notary's authorization, the signer's location, and the recipient's rules. Some states do not currently allow their commissioned notaries to perform remote notarizations. For example, the California Secretary of State says California notaries must meet signers in person under current law, while Virginia law requires an electronic notarial certificate to indicate whether the act was done by remote online notarization. Check the current rules for the states involved and confirm acceptance with the organization receiving your affidavit before paying or signing.

For reference, review the California Secretary of State's notary FAQs and Virginia Code & 47.1-16. Rules can change, and the receiving organization decides whether it will accept a remotely notarized or electronic document.

What to Prepare Before an Online Notarization

• The complete affidavit supplied or approved by the recipient, including any required notarial wording or separate certificate.
• A current government-issued photo ID that the notary can use to verify your identity under the applicable rules.
• The exact legal name and identity details the recipient wants in the affidavit. Check spelling and dates against your records.
• A reliable internet connection, a camera-enabled device, and a private place for the remote session if the service requires live audio-video interaction.
• Instructions from the recipient confirming it accepts remote online notarization and, if relevant, an electronically signed document.

Do not sign the affidavit in advance if the form or notary instructs you to sign during the notarization. For a jurat, the oath or affirmation must be administered as part of the notarial act. If you have already signed, tell the notary and ask whether the document needs to be signed again in the required manner.

How to Notarize an Affidavit of Identity Online

1. Confirm the recipient's requirements. Ask which affidavit form, notarial act, certificate wording, and document format it accepts. Check whether it requires an original paper document, a wet-ink signature, or an in-person notarization.
2. Complete the affidavit, but follow signing instructions. Fill in the requested identity information accurately. Leave the signature blank if you have been told to sign in front of the notary or during the online session.
3. Choose a notary authorized for the transaction. Confirm that remote notarization is available under the relevant law and that the notary can perform the required act.
4. Present your ID and complete the session. Follow the notary's identity verification steps. If the affidavit calls for a jurat, take the oath or affirmation and sign as instructed.
5. Review the notarized document. Check that your name, the certificate, date, seal or electronic seal, and any attached pages are present. Send it to the recipient in its requested format and keep a copy.

What Does It Cost to Notarize an Affidavit of Identity?

The price depends on the notary, location, document format, and any additional services or state-regulated fees. Ask for the full price before proceeding. Notary20 charges $20 per eligible document for online notarization. Eligibility and acceptance depend on the document and the applicable rules, so confirm that the recipient accepts the online format first.

For more detail about online notarization pricing, read our Online Notary Cost Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a notary verify that my identity affidavit is true?

No. A notary can verify the signer's identity and perform the requested notarial act. The signer is responsible for the truth of the statements, and the notary does not investigate them.

Should I sign the affidavit before the online session?

Follow the form and notary's instructions. If the affidavit requires a jurat, the oath or affirmation is part of the notarization, and you may be asked to sign during the session. If you already signed, tell the notary before proceeding.

Will a government agency accept an online notarization?

Acceptance varies by agency, document type, state law, and format. Contact the organization that will receive the affidavit and get confirmation before you notarize it.

Can I use a driver's license from my previous state after moving?

The notary must identify you using evidence allowed by the rules that apply to the notarization. Ask the notary what identification is accepted, and ask the recipient whether the affidavit requires your new address or updated state ID.

Start Your Online Notarization

Have the recipient-approved affidavit and acceptable identification ready. Confirm that online notarization is allowed and that the recipient accepts the completed format. Notary20 provides online notarization for eligible documents for $20 per document.