Online Notary vs FedEx Notary in 2026 - Why $20 Online May Beat $25 FedEx
If you are comparing online notary vs FedEx notary, you may be expecting two completely different options: one online service and one in-store FedEx notary counter. But the real difference is more subtle. FedEx Office Online Notary is also an online notarization service, not a traditional walk-in notary desk at every FedEx Office location.
That means many people searching for "FedEx notary near me" may not actually need to visit a FedEx store. If your document is already a PDF and your recipient accepts remote online notarization, you may be able to complete the whole process from home. For a simple one-document request, a flat $20 online notary can be easier and cheaper than a service that starts at $25.
Is FedEx Notary Really In-Store?
FedEx Office is useful for printing, scanning, copying, and shipping. But when it comes to notarization, FedEx Office promotes an online notary service. The document is notarized remotely through an online process, with a live notary session by video.
This is important because many customers think "FedEx notary" means they can walk into any FedEx Office and meet a notary at the counter. In practice, you should not assume every FedEx location has an in-person notary waiting for walk-in customers. The safer assumption is that FedEx Office Online Notary is primarily a remote process.
Online Notary vs FedEx Notary: Main Difference
Both options can help you notarize documents remotely. The main differences are price, workflow, and whether you need FedEx's extra document services.
FedEx Office Online Notary may be convenient if you already trust the FedEx brand or need FedEx Office for related services. But if your goal is simply to notarize one PDF and receive the completed file by email, a direct online notary service may be more straightforward.
At Notary20, the service is built for simple online notarization requests: send the document, prepare your ID, complete the live session, and receive the notarized PDF by email. The price is flat: $20 per document.
Cost Comparison
| Option | Typical Use Case | Pricing Feel | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| FedEx Office Online Notary | Remote online notarization through the FedEx Office online notary workflow | Starts at $25 | People who also need FedEx Office printing, scanning, or shipping support |
| Notary20 Online Notary | Direct online notarization for eligible documents | Flat $20 per document | People who want a simple notarized PDF returned by email |
For many one-document situations, the price difference is easy to understand. If you do not need printing, copying, or shipping, you may not need the FedEx Office workflow at all. You may simply need an online notary session and a notarized PDF.
When FedEx May Be Helpful
FedEx can still be useful around the notarization process. For example, you may want FedEx Office if:
- You only have a paper document and need to scan it
- You need to print the notarized PDF after the session
- You need to ship a hard copy after notarization
- You want to combine printing, copying, and shipping in one place
- You prefer using a large national office-service brand
In those cases, FedEx Office may help with the document handling side. But the notarization itself is still completed through an online notary process.
When a Direct Online Notary Is Easier
A direct online notary may be easier when your document is already ready. If you have a PDF, a valid government-issued photo ID, and a device with a camera and microphone, you may not need to travel anywhere.
This is especially useful when you need notarization:
- After work
- At night
- On a weekend
- From home
- From a hotel or while traveling
- Outside the United States
- For a PDF that must be returned quickly by email
Instead of searching for a store, driving there, and hoping the notary process works for your document, you can complete the session online when your document is eligible.
Common Documents for Online Notarization
Online notarization is often used for everyday personal and business documents, including:
- Affidavits
- Sworn statements
- Parental consent forms
- Child travel consent letters
- DS-3053 passport consent forms
- Power of attorney documents
- Passport copy statements
- Lease-related documents
- Bank forms
- General PDF documents that require notarization
Before starting, always confirm that the receiving party accepts remote online notarization. Some agencies, schools, banks, embassies, or private companies may have their own rules.
Online Notary vs FedEx Notary: Side-by-Side
| Feature | FedEx Office Online Notary | Notary20 Online Notary |
|---|---|---|
| Process | Remote online notarization | Remote online notarization |
| In-store requirement | Not usually needed for the notary session itself | No store visit needed |
| Price | Starts at $25 | Flat $20 per document |
| Best advantage | FedEx brand plus printing, scanning, and shipping support | Simple, direct, affordable online notarization |
| Best user | Someone who also needs FedEx Office document services | Someone who already has a document ready as a PDF |
| Output | Electronic notarized document | Notarized PDF returned by email |
Important Limits to Understand
Remote online notarization is powerful, but it is not the right answer for every document. Some documents may require wet ink signatures, witnesses, original paper handling, apostille steps, or specific agency instructions.
Before you pay for any notary service, ask the receiving party one simple question:
If the answer is yes, a direct online notary service may save time and money. If the answer is no, you may need a paper-based or in-person process.
Compare Broader Online Notary Pricing
If you want to compare broader pricing before choosing, read the full guide here:
Related Notary Guides
You may also find these comparisons useful:
- FedEx Notary Cost Guide
- UPS Notary Cost Guide
- Online Notary vs UPS Notary
- Online Notary vs Bank Notary
Start Your Online Notarization
If you already have your document ready and want a direct online option, start here:
FAQ
Is FedEx notary the same as an online notary?
FedEx Office Online Notary is an online notarization option. The session is completed remotely with a live notary through an online process.
Does every FedEx Office have an in-person notary?
You should not assume that every FedEx Office location has a walk-in notary available at the counter. FedEx Office promotes an online notary service, so check the current process before visiting a store.
Is FedEx notary cheaper than Notary20?
FedEx Office Online Notary starts at $25. Notary20 offers eligible online notarization for a flat $20 per document.
When should I choose FedEx?
Choose FedEx if you also need printing, scanning, copying, or shipping support around your notarization. FedEx can be helpful for document handling even if the notary session is online.
When should I choose Notary20?
Choose Notary20 if your document is ready as a PDF and you want a simple, direct online notarization with the completed notarized file returned by email.
Can I use online notarization for affidavits, travel consent forms, or DS-3053?
Often yes, if the document is eligible for remote online notarization and the receiving party accepts that format. Always confirm the recipient's requirements before starting.