Online Notary from Canada for U.S. Documents: $20 Option

If you are in Canada and need a U.S. document notarized, a U.S.-commissioned notary who is authorized to perform remote online notarizations may be an option. Whether it works depends on the notary's rules, the document, and-most importantly-the U.S. recipient's requirements. Ask the recipient to confirm it accepts an electronically notarized document before you begin.

Can I notarize a U.S. document online while I am in Canada?

Possibly. Some U.S. jurisdictions authorize their commissioned notaries to perform qualifying electronic notarial acts for signers who are physically outside the state. For example, Virginia law says an electronic notarial act performed in accordance with its notary chapter is deemed to have been performed in Virginia. That does not mean every notary can serve every signer or that every recipient must accept the result. The notary must be authorized to perform the act, follow applicable identity and appearance rules, and confirm that the transaction is within the notary's permitted scope.

For a Virginia electronic notarization, review the current Virginia statute on notarial jurisdiction. Rules can differ by state and can change, so ask the notary about your specific location and document before submitting it.

First, check the U.S. recipient's requirements

Before booking or paying, contact the bank, title company, lender, court, government office, or other organization that will receive the document. Ask clearly whether it accepts a document notarized remotely by a notary commissioned in the United States while the signer is physically in Canada.

• Does the recipient accept remote online notarization (RON)?
• Must the document be notarized on paper, or is an electronic document acceptable?
• Does it require a particular notarial certificate, witness, wording, or state?
• Does it require an apostille or other authentication for this document?
• Does it require the original document or a specific delivery method?

How remote online notarization generally works

1. Confirm eligibility: Share the document type, your location in Canada, and the recipient's requirements with the notary.
2. Prepare the document: Follow instructions about unsigned fields, witnesses, attachments, and whether the file must remain electronic.
3. Verify your identity: Have an unexpired government-issued photo ID ready and complete the notary's identity checks.
4. Appear before the notary: RON ordinarily uses a live audio-video session so the notary can communicate with and identify the signer and perform the required act.
5. Complete the signing: Sign only when directed and use the method required for the document and notarial certificate.
6. Review the completed file: Check the name, date, notarial certificate, electronic signature, seal, and any transaction or verification details before forwarding it.

What should I have ready?

• The complete U.S. document, including instructions and any required notarial wording
• A current government-issued photo ID that the notary can accept
• A computer or mobile device with a camera, microphone, stable internet, and a private, well-lit space
• Any required witnesses, if the document or recipient requires them
• The recipient's written confirmation about RON, electronic documents, and authentication

Do not sign or alter the document in advance unless the recipient and notary instruct you to do so. For sworn statements, the notary may need to administer an oath or affirmation; for acknowledgments, you confirm that you signed voluntarily. The document's instructions and the recipient's requirements determine which notarial act is appropriate.

Online notary or a local Canadian notary?

A U.S. RON may be convenient when the receiving organization accepts it and the notary is authorized to work with a signer in Canada. A Canadian notary or a U.S. embassy or consulate may be alternatives when the recipient requires an in-person or paper process. Availability, appointment rules, fees, and authentication steps differ.

The U.S. Department of State explains that U.S. embassies and consulates provide notarial services abroad and advises customers to confirm the relevant requirements before making an appointment. See its notarial and authentication services guidance. Global Affairs Canada also lists alternatives for documents intended for use abroad, including remote online notarization where the destination jurisdiction allows it.

Do I need an apostille for a U.S. document?

Not necessarily. An apostille is an authentication certificate used for certain documents traveling between countries that participate in the Apostille Convention; it is not a substitute for notarization and is not automatically required just because you are signing in Canada. Ask the recipient whether it needs an apostille, a state authentication, or neither. Ask the issuing authority whether it can authenticate the specific type of notarization you plan to use. For example, Virginia currently says it cannot authenticate an electronic notarization with an Apostille or Great Seal authentication; check the relevant office's current rules before choosing an electronic notarization if authentication may be needed. See the Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth's authentication guidance.

Notary20 online notarization

Notary20 offers online notarization for eligible documents at a flat $20 per document. Before placing an order from Canada, tell us where you are located and confirm with your U.S. recipient that it accepts the proposed remote notarization and electronic document. We cannot guarantee that a bank, lender, title company, court, or government agency will accept a notarized document.

Learn more about typical U.S. pricing in our online notary cost guide.

Frequently asked questions

Can a U.S. notary notarize my signature if I am physically in Canada?

Some jurisdictions allow their notaries to perform qualifying remote online notarizations for signers located abroad. It depends on the notary's authority, the document, and applicable rules. Confirm the notary can serve a signer in Canada before proceeding.

Will a U.S. lender or title company accept a remote online notarization?

Acceptance varies by organization and transaction. Ask the specific lender, title company, or other recipient before signing and get its requirements in writing when possible.

Do I need to visit a U.S. embassy or consulate?

Not always. A qualifying RON or a Canadian notary may be an option, but some recipients require a particular in-person process. Check the recipient's instructions and the relevant consular office's current appointment information.

Is an apostille automatically required?

No. Ask the recipient and the relevant authentication office whether an apostille or other authentication is needed for your exact document and notarization format.

This article is general information, not legal advice. Notarial rules and recipient requirements vary. Verify current requirements with the notary and the organization receiving your document.