Can You Notarize a Passport Copy Online? Yes, But Here Is What Actually Works
Many people search for how to notarize a passport copy online when they need to submit a passport copy to a bank, school, lawyer, immigration service, or overseas institution. The important thing to understand is simple: a notary does not notarize the original passport itself. In most online cases, the workable solution is to notarize your signature on a statement attached to the passport copy.
What People Usually Mean by "Notarize Passport Copy Online"
When people use this phrase, they are usually trying to do one of these two things:
- Get a notarized statement saying the attached passport copy is a true copy of the original
- Get the copy itself accepted by a receiving institution that asks for a notary stamp
In real practice, the first option is usually the easier and safer path for online notarization. The notary verifies your identity, watches you sign, and notarizes your signature on the statement.
Can a Passport Copy Be Notarized Online
Yes, in many situations, something related to the passport copy can be notarized online. That usually means a live video notarization of your signed affidavit or declaration. You appear before the notary by video, show valid identification, confirm your identity, and sign as instructed.
- No travel to a bank or local office
- No need to wait for limited business hours
- Useful for urgent or after-hours requests
- Helpful for signers outside the United States or far from a notary
What Usually Works Best Online
For most routine requests, the most practical online option is a document custodian style statement. That means you sign a short statement saying the attached passport copy is a true, exact, and complete copy of your passport or of the passport page being submitted. The notary then notarizes your signature on that statement.
This is often much more realistic than promising direct copy certification, because different states do not handle copy certification the same way. Some receiving parties are perfectly fine with a notarized statement from the passport holder. Others are more strict, so you should confirm before starting.
When You Need to Slow Down and Double Check
Some requests are more specific than others. Before booking the notarization, double check whether the receiving party is asking for:
- A notarized affidavit or declaration
- A certified true copy
- An apostille or authentication after notarization
- An embassy or consular procedure instead of ordinary notarization
If they only want a notarized statement, online notarization is often a simple solution. If they want direct copy certification or another special process, you should confirm acceptance before proceeding.
What You Usually Need for Online Passport Copy Notarization
Before starting, prepare the document package and your identification. In most cases, you should have:
- The passport copy you plan to submit
- A valid government issued photo ID for the notarization session
- The affidavit or declaration, if the receiving party requires one
- A phone or computer with camera and microphone
- A stable internet connection
It is also smart to ask the receiving institution whether they have sample wording or their own required form. That can save time and avoid rejection later.
Online Notary vs Other Options for a Passport Copy
| Option | What It Usually Covers | Main Advantage | Main Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online notary | Your signed affidavit or declaration about the passport copy | Fast and convenient from home | May not satisfy institutions that insist on direct copy certification |
| Local in person notary | Often the same affidavit based notarization | Works for users who prefer face to face service | Requires travel and may have limited hours |
| Consular or special institution route | Special procedures required by some agencies | May match strict recipient requirements | Usually slower and less convenient |
Common Mistake: Thinking the Passport Itself Gets Notarized
This is where many people get confused. A notary does not approve or validate the passport as a government authority. The notary verifies identity and notarizes the notarial act that is legally allowed, usually your signature on a related statement.
- The original passport is not being "approved" by the notary
- The notary does not judge the content or legal use of the passport copy
- The notary verifies identity and completes the notarization of the signature
When Online Passport Copy Notarization Makes Sense
- You need a notary quickly
- You are outside regular business hours
- You want to avoid traveling to a branch or store
- You are outside the United States
- You want a simple remote process from home
How Much Does It Cost to Notarize a Passport Copy Online
Many online notary platforms charge around 25 to 40 dollars or more depending on the platform and state rules. At Notary20, notarization is available for a flat 20 dollar fee per document with no extra charges.
- Flat 20 dollar pricing per document
- Remote notarization from home
- Night service available
- Simple upload process
- Final notarized PDF delivered by email
If you want to compare pricing first, read our full guide here:
Related Notary Guides
- How to notarize documents online
- What ID is needed for notary
- Where to notarize documents online
- Can banks notarize documents
Start Your Online Notarization
Upload your passport copy related document and your ID, and receive your notarized PDF by email. If the receiving party has special wording or format requirements, check those first so the process goes smoothly.