24/7 Online Notary: Notarize Documents Anywhere in the USA

What Is a 24/7 Online Notary?

A 24/7 online notary offers RON so you can complete a notarization after business hours from almost anywhere with an internet connection. During a live audio-video session, the notary verifies your identity, confirms your willingness and awareness, witnesses your electronic signature, and applies an electronic notarial certificate and seal. Many platforms also generate a tamper-evident version of the notarized file and an audit log. See industry standards for common technical safeguards, such as digital certificates and audit trails (MISMO RON Standards).

Is Remote Online Notarization Legal Nationwide?

As of this review, a majority of U.S. states and territories authorize RON in some form, though the details differ by state (e.g., permitted acts, technology and recordkeeping standards, and provider registration). For a current overview and links to state authorities, see the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) RON resources and ALTA’s RON state law map.

Notarial acts performed in accordance with the commissioning state’s law are commonly recognized by other states under interstate recognition provisions (for example, the Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts (2018) includes recognition of out-of-state notarial acts). However, acceptance by the receiving party can still vary—especially for recordable real estate instruments, court filings, or estate planning documents. Always confirm acceptance with the intended recipient before proceeding.

How Online Notarization Works

• 1) Upload your document to a platform that complies with your state’s requirements.
• 2) Verify your identity using multi-factor methods, typically credential analysis of a government-issued photo ID and knowledge-based authentication (KBA), where authorized (MISMO; see also examples in Texas Gov’t Code ch. 406 (Subch. C) and Florida Stat. ch. 117).
• 3) Join a live audio-video session with the notary; the notary confirms identity, willingness, and awareness, and witnesses your e-signature.
• 4) The notary applies the appropriate electronic notarial certificate and seal. Many platforms embed tamper-evident technology.
• 5) You download the finalized notarized document and any platform-provided audit log. Recording of the session and record retention are required for a statutory period in many states (specific rules vary by state).

Important: Numerous states require the notary to be physically located in the commissioning state during the RON session, even if signers are elsewhere (see, for example, Texas Gov’t Code ch. 406 and Florida Stat. ch. 117).

Documents Commonly Notarized Online

• Affidavits and sworn statements
• Powers of attorney (check state-specific rules)
• Parental consent and school forms
• Business agreements and vendor forms
• Financial institution forms (verify recipient acceptance)
• Certain real estate documents (e.g., lender packages, seller affidavits) where permitted and accepted
• Some estate planning documents (eligibility varies; wills and trusts often have special formalities)

When You May Not Be Able to Use RON

• Documents that a state law or recording office requires to be notarized in person.
• Recordable real estate instruments when the county recorder does not accept RON or eRecording for that document type (see PRIA eRecording resources for county-level adoption trends).
• Wills, codicils, healthcare directives, or similar documents in states that prohibit or restrict remote witnessing or notarization.
• Documents destined for foreign countries that require apostilles or consular legalization but do not accept electronic notarization or e-apostilles (see the HCCH e-APP program for background on electronic apostilles).
• Situations where the signer lacks acceptable ID or cannot pass the applicable identity-proofing steps.

Identity, Security, and Recordkeeping

RON frameworks typically require multi-factor identity verification, including credential analysis of a government ID and dynamic KBA; a secure, real-time audio-video meeting; an electronic notarial certificate and seal; and retention of an audiovisual recording and electronic journal for a statutory period. While specific requirements vary by state, these elements are reflected in widely referenced standards and state statutes (e.g., MISMO RON Standards; Texas Gov’t Code ch. 406; Florida Stat. ch. 117).

Cross-Border and Out-of-State Signers

Many states permit a signer to be located outside the notary’s state—and in some cases outside the United States—so long as the notary is physically in the commissioning state and the act is otherwise authorized. For examples and model provisions, see Texas Gov’t Code ch. 406 (Subch. C) and the Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts (2018). Always confirm that the receiving jurisdiction will accept the remotely notarized document and whether an apostille or legalization is required.

Costs and Turnaround

Fees vary by platform and state and may be charged per notarial act, per additional seal, and for extra signers or witnesses. Many services can complete a session in minutes after successful identity proofing. If witnesses are required, confirm whether the platform provides remote witnesses or if you must supply your own.

Practical Tips

• Check acceptance first: Ask the recipient (lender, title company, recorder, court, or agency) whether they accept RON for your document type (see ALTA’s RON resources and PRIA county eRecording resources).
• Verify your ID: Use a valid, unexpired government photo ID that matches your document.
• Prepare your environment: Use a stable internet connection, a well-lit space, and a camera-enabled device.
• Do not sign in advance: Sign during the live session unless your state law provides otherwise.
• Watch for special formalities: Some documents require witnesses or specific notarial certificates. Ask the notary or your attorney to confirm.
• Save your records: Keep the notarized PDF and any audit log or completion certificate provided by the platform.

FAQ

Are online notarizations accepted in every U.S. state?

Most states authorize RON, but acceptance can vary by recipient and document type. Always check with the receiving party.

Can I be outside the United States during the session?

Often yes, if the notary is physically in the commissioning state and the act is authorized. Confirm recipient acceptance and any apostille needs.

What if I fail knowledge-based authentication?

Many platforms allow limited retries. If unsuccessful, you may need alternative identity proofing or an in-person notarization.

Will my county recorder accept a remotely notarized deed?

Acceptance varies by county and document. Check local recording requirements before using RON for recordable instruments.

How Our Firm Can Help

We advise on whether RON is appropriate for your transaction, coordinate with receiving institutions, and review documents for state-specific formalities. For complex matters—real estate closings, cross-border transactions, estate planning, and court filings—we help you avoid rejection by selecting the right notarization method and aligning with statutory and recipient requirements.

Contact our team to discuss your document and timeline.

Ready to notarize? Get help now.

Legal disclaimer

This post focuses on U.S. law and is for general informational purposes only; it is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. RON availability and acceptance vary by state and by receiving institution. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction about your specific situation.