Notarize Invitation Letter Online: Requirements, Process, and Cost
If an embassy, consulate, immigration office, school, business, or other recipient asks for a notarized invitation letter, you may be able to complete the notarization online without visiting a local office. The notary verifies the identity of the person signing and completes the appropriate notarial certificate; the notary does not approve the invitation or guarantee that the recipient will accept it.
Before ordering, confirm exactly what the receiving organization requires. Some invitation letters do not need notarization at all, while others may require an acknowledgment, a sworn statement, witnesses, an original paper document, or additional authentication such as an apostille.
What Is a Notarized Invitation Letter?
An invitation letter is a written statement inviting another person to visit, attend an event, stay at a residence, participate in a business activity, or complete another stated purpose. The letter may identify the host, the invited person, the intended dates, the relationship between them, the address of the stay, and who will pay relevant expenses.
Notarization does not prove that every statement in the letter is true. It generally confirms the identity of the signer and documents the required notarial act. If the letter contains a sworn declaration, the signer may also need to make an oath or affirmation before the notary.
When Might an Invitation Letter Need Notarization?
A recipient may request notarization for situations such as:
- A private invitation for international travel or a visa application
- A letter inviting a relative or friend to stay at a residence
- A business invitation for a meeting, conference, or negotiation
- An invitation connected to a graduation, wedding, or family event
- A supporting declaration requested by a school, agency, or organization
Requirements vary widely. For example, the U.S. Department of State says a letter of invitation is not required for a U.S. visitor visa and is not one of the factors used to decide whether to issue or deny that visa. A person may still choose to bring one, but should follow the instructions for the specific visa category and consular post.
What Information Should the Letter Include?
The recipient may have its own checklist, but an invitation letter commonly includes:
- The host's full legal name, address, and contact information
- The invited person's full legal name and passport details, if requested
- The relationship between the host and invited person
- The purpose of the visit or invitation
- The planned arrival and departure dates
- The address where the visitor will stay
- Who will pay travel, lodging, or living expenses, if relevant
- A truthful statement of the host's intent
- A signature area and suitable notarial certificate
Use accurate information and make sure names match the relevant identification and travel documents. A notary cannot choose the contents of the letter or advise you what legal promises to make.
Acknowledgment or Jurat?
| Notarial Act | What the Signer Does | Typical Wording |
|---|---|---|
| Acknowledgment | Confirms that the signature was made voluntarily for the stated purpose | "Acknowledged before me" or similar wording |
| Jurat | Signs and swears or affirms that the statements are true | "Subscribed and sworn to" or similar wording |
The document preparer or receiving organization should tell you which notarial act is required. The notary cannot select a certificate when doing so would amount to legal advice. If the letter has no notarial wording, ask the recipient or a qualified legal professional what certificate should be attached.
What You Need for Online Notarization
Prepare the following before starting:
- The final invitation letter in a clear digital format, preferably PDF
- A valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID acceptable to the notary
- A device with a camera, microphone, and stable internet connection
- Any recipient instructions about certificate wording, witnesses, or file format
- Supporting documents only if the recipient-not merely the notary-requires them
Do not alter the document after notarization. Changes made after the electronic notarial signature and seal are applied may invalidate the notarized file or make its tamper-evident protection show that the document was modified.
How to Notarize an Invitation Letter Online
The process generally follows these steps:
- Confirm that the recipient requires notarization and accepts a remotely notarized electronic document
- Complete the letter and confirm that its names, dates, and details are accurate
- Upload or send the document and required identification
- Complete the required identity verification and online notarial session
- Sign or acknowledge the signature as instructed by the notary
- Receive the completed electronic document with the notarial certificate and seal
Online vs In-Person Invitation Letter Notarization
| Feature | In-Person Notary | Online Notary |
|---|---|---|
| Travel | Requires a visit to a notary | Completed remotely from a suitable location |
| Document format | Often paper | Electronic document, commonly PDF |
| Identity check | ID examined in person | Electronic identity verification under applicable rules |
| Acceptance | May be preferred when an original is required | Must be accepted by the receiving organization |
| Notary20 price | Not applicable | Flat $20 per document |
Important Limits to Understand
- Notarization does not make an invitation legally sufficient for every purpose
- A visa officer or other recipient decides whether the letter is relevant or acceptable
- Some foreign authorities may require legalization, an apostille, or a certified translation
- Some recipients require wet ink, witnesses, a specific form, or original supporting evidence
- A notary cannot guarantee visa approval, entry permission, or acceptance of the document
If the letter will be used outside the United States, ask the receiving authority whether it accepts a Virginia remote online notarization and whether any additional authentication is required.
How Much Does It Cost?
Notary20 offers online notarization for eligible invitation letters at $20 per document. The price covers the notarization service; translation, document drafting, apostille, courier delivery, witnesses, or other third-party requirements are separate if needed.
For a broader price comparison, see the Online Notary Cost Guide.
Start Your Online Notarization
If your recipient accepts remote online notarization and your invitation letter is ready, submit the document and identification to begin.
FAQ
Does every invitation letter need to be notarized?
No. The organization receiving the letter decides whether notarization is required. Confirm its instructions before paying for a notary.
Can a visa invitation letter be notarized online?
Often yes, if the document is eligible and the embassy, consulate, or other recipient accepts remote online notarization. Acceptance should be confirmed in advance.
Do I need to sign the letter before sending it?
Follow the notary's instructions. For a jurat, the signer generally signs while making an oath or affirmation. For an acknowledgment, an existing signature may sometimes be acknowledged, but the applicable process and recipient requirements control.
Does notarization guarantee visa approval?
No. A notary verifies identity and performs the requested notarial act. The government authority independently decides the application.