When In-Person Notarization Is Needed

Wet Ink or Original Signature Needed

Some transactions and document types ask for a wet ink signature on a physical original, which may require an in-person notary. Examples include certain deed recordings, probate filings, or institutional requirements that explicitly request an original document. If a receiving party specifies an original paper with a physical stamp, remote notarization may not meet their guidelines. Because acceptance varies, review the recipient’s instructions before choosing remote notarization, and consider scheduling an in-person or mobile notary if a wet ink original is clearly required.

State or Document Exclusions

Some states and document categories exclude remote online notarization by law or by recipient policy. For instance, matters involving wills, certain court filings, or specific estate documents may have limits under state rules or court guidance. Additionally, some companies or governmental bodies require in-person notarization as their policy. Because rules and acceptance can change, verify whether your state and the document’s recipient permit remote notarization before proceeding. If remote notarization is not allowed, we can help you find alternative options like mobile or in-person notarization.

When Online Notarization Is Preferred

Fast Sessions, Multiple Locations, After-Hours

Online notarization is ideal when signers are in different places, when you need quick turnaround, or when traditional office hours don’t fit your schedule. Sessions commonly take between a few minutes and a quarter-hour depending on document complexity, and many platforms offer extended hours for evenings and weekends. This is helpful for businesses, remote families, and people who travel frequently. Because notarizations happen over live video, location flexibility is a core advantage, though it’s still wise to confirm that the receiving party accepts an electronically notarized document for your specific use.

Immediate Download and Audit Trail

After a remote session, you often receive the notarized document instantly with a tamper-evident e-seal and audit trail. This immediate availability speeds transactions and gives clear records of identity verification, timestamps, and the notary’s actions. The audit trail is useful for recipients who want proof of the process, and the downloadable file can streamline filings and submissions. While this creates a strong digital record, recipient acceptance still varies, so check policies before relying solely on an e-notarized file for critical filings.