How to Notarize a Board Resolution Online in 2026
A board resolution records a decision approved by a corporation's board of directors. It may authorize a bank account, financing, real-estate transaction, contract, officer appointment, or another important business action. If the resolution or the receiving party requires notarization, an eligible signer may be able to complete the notarial act online.
Online notarization can be convenient because the signer uses a computer or phone, verifies identity remotely, completes the required signing or acknowledgment, and receives an electronically notarized PDF. Before proceeding, confirm that the corporation, bank, government office, title company, or other recipient accepts remote online notarization and electronic documents.
Does a Board Resolution Have to Be Notarized?
Not every board resolution requires notarization. Corporate bylaws, state law, a bank, a lender, a title company, or another receiving organization may determine what is required. Some resolutions need only the signatures of the chairperson, secretary, or other authorized officers. Others are accompanied by a secretary's certificate or an acknowledgment that must be notarized.
A notary does not decide whether the resolution was validly adopted, whether a signer has corporate authority, or whether the transaction is legally sufficient. The notary performs the requested notarial act and verifies the signer according to applicable law.
Who Signs a Board Resolution?
The correct signer depends on the corporation's governing documents and the purpose of the resolution. Common signers include:
- The corporate secretary certifying that the resolution was adopted
- The chairperson or president
- Another officer authorized by the board
- Directors, when the document requires individual director signatures
Check the resolution, bylaws, meeting minutes, recipient instructions, and any attached certificate before the notarization. The name and representative capacity shown in the notarial certificate should accurately match the signer and the document.
Acknowledgment or Jurat?
The document or receiving party should specify the required notarial act. A notary cannot choose it for the signer.
| Notarial act | What the signer does | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Acknowledgment | Confirms identity and acknowledges signing voluntarily for the stated purpose | Often used for signatures made in a representative capacity |
| Jurat | Signs or confirms the signature and swears or affirms that the statements are true | Used when the certificate requires an oath or affirmation |
If the document has no notarial certificate or the wording is unclear, ask the receiving party or a qualified attorney which act is required. A notary may explain the difference but cannot provide legal advice or select the certificate for you.
What to Prepare
- The final board resolution in a clear digital format
- Any secretary's certificate or required notarial certificate
- A valid government-issued photo ID for each signer
- The exact legal name of the corporation
- The signer's correct corporate title or representative capacity
- Recipient instructions, including whether electronic notarization is accepted
- A device and reliable internet connection if a live session is required
Complete all factual blanks before notarization. Do not change the resolution after it has been notarized. If witnesses, multiple directors, or original paper documents are required, arrange those details in advance.
How to Notarize a Board Resolution Online
- Confirm the requirement. Ask the receiving party whether notarization is necessary, which notarial act is required, and whether remote electronic notarization is accepted.
- Identify the authorized signer. Confirm who must sign and the capacity in which that person signs.
- Review the document. Make sure the resolution and any certificate are complete, accurate, and ready for notarization.
- Submit the document and ID. Provide a legible copy and the required identification through the service's secure process.
- Complete the notarial act. Follow the notary's directions for acknowledgment, oath or affirmation, and signing.
- Receive and review the PDF. Check that the electronic notarial certificate and seal are attached and that the recipient can use the format.
Common Problems to Avoid
- Using a draft resolution that has not been finally approved
- Having the wrong officer or director sign
- Leaving the signer's title or company name inconsistent across the document
- Choosing an acknowledgment when the recipient requires a jurat, or vice versa
- Assuming the notary verifies corporate authority or board approval
- Failing to confirm acceptance of an electronically notarized PDF
- Editing the resolution after notarization
Online vs In-Person Notarization
| Feature | In-person notary | Online notary |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Travel and appointment may be required | Complete remotely when eligible |
| Document format | Often paper | Electronic PDF |
| Identity verification | Physical ID inspection | Remote identity-verification process |
| Availability | Depends on local business hours | May offer more flexible scheduling |
| Acceptance | Often familiar to recipients | Must be confirmed with the recipient |
How Much Does It Cost?
Notary fees vary by state, service, number of signers, number of notarial acts, and any extra requirements. Notary20 offers a straightforward price of $20 per document for eligible requests.
For a broader comparison, see the Online Notary Cost Guide.
Start Your Online Notarization
If your board resolution is complete and the receiving party accepts remote online notarization, submit the document and identification for review.
FAQ
Can a corporate secretary notarize a board resolution online?
An eligible corporate secretary may appear as the signer when the document requires that person's signature and the receiving party accepts remote online notarization. The notary cannot determine whether the secretary has corporate authority.
Can all directors sign the same resolution online?
Possibly, but requirements vary. Confirm whether every director must sign, whether each signature must be notarized, and whether all signers can use the chosen online process.
Does the notary verify that the board approved the resolution?
No. The notary verifies identity and performs the requested notarial act. The notary does not validate meeting procedures, voting results, corporate authority, or the legal effect of the resolution.
Will a bank accept an online-notarized board resolution?
Acceptance depends on the bank and the transaction. Ask the bank for its required resolution form, certificate wording, signer requirements, and policy on remote online notarization before the session.
Can Notary20 notarize a board resolution for $20?
Notary20 charges $20 per document for eligible requests. The document, signer, notarial act, and recipient requirements must be reviewed before proceeding.