How to Notarize a Power of Attorney and Court Forms Online in the United States

Overview: Online Notarization Is Widely Available

Many U.S. states authorize remote online notarization (RON), allowing a commissioned notary to notarize documents using live audiovisual technology. For many clients, this means a power of attorney (POA), affidavits, and certain court forms can be notarized without meeting a notary in person. Acceptance can vary by state and by the receiving institution (courts, title companies, banks, or agencies), so verify requirements in advance. See state resources from the National Association of Secretaries of State and the National Notary Association.

What You Can Typically Notarize Online

• Powers of attorney (general, limited, durable, and sometimes healthcare-related, subject to state-specific requirements)
• Affidavits, verifications, and acknowledgments used in litigation
• Court-related forms that require a notarized signature (for example, financial affidavits or statements), if the relevant court accepts RON

Some categories have special rules or are excluded in certain states (for example, wills, codicils, or certain advance directives). Check state law and the receiving court or agency’s policy before relying on an online notarization. General guidance appears in RON overviews from the NNA and in the Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts (RULONA) resources.

Key Validity Requirements for RON

• The notary must be commissioned in a state that authorizes RON and must follow that state’s RON law and administrative rules. See state links via NASS.
• The signer must appear before the notary via live, two-way audiovisual communication that allows real-time interaction. See RULONA materials.
• Identity proofing and credential analysis are typically required (for example, knowledge-based authentication and government ID analysis), unless an allowed exception applies (such as personal knowledge or credible witnesses under some state laws). See NNA overview.
• An electronic notarial certificate and tamper-evident technology are used to finalize the notarized document. See RULONA materials.
• Retention of an audiovisual recording and/or a notary journal entry is typically required, as provided by the notary’s state law. Check state-specific rules via NASS.

Because rules and technology standards are state-specific, use a platform that implements your notary’s state requirements.

Power of Attorney: Special Considerations

• Content and formalities: Some states require statutory language, notices, agent acknowledgments, or witnesses. A few states require witnesses in addition to notarization; some platforms support multi-witness sessions—confirm before scheduling.
• Healthcare POAs: Acceptance of remotely notarized healthcare directives varies. Hospitals, insurers, and state agencies may have additional form or witnessing requirements. Confirm with the receiving institution.
• Interstate use: If a POA will be used in a different state, confirm that the destination state recognizes an out-of-state notarial act performed under another state’s RON law. Many states include recognition provisions modeled on RULONA, but practices can differ among courts and third parties. See RULONA.

Court Forms: Acceptance and Filing

• Check the specific court’s local rules, administrative orders, and e-filing guidance to confirm acceptance of RON.
• Verify whether the form must be notarized at all—some federal and state laws permit unsworn declarations under penalty of perjury instead of notarization in certain situations (for example, 28 U.S.C. § 1746 in federal practice). See 28 U.S.C. § 1746.
• If the court requires an ink original, ask whether a printed copy of a remotely notarized document will be accepted for filing or whether electronic filing is required. Policies vary by court.

Preparing for an Online Notarization

• Valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID that matches the name on your document
• A device with a camera and microphone, reliable internet, and a quiet, well-lit space
• The final document in PDF or the format your platform requires (with all blanks filled except the notary section)
• Any required witnesses available to join the session, if your document or state law requires witnesses
• Payment method for the notary fee and any platform fee

If your document will be filed with a court or presented to a bank, verify acceptance of RON in advance.

Completing the Session

• Complete identity proofing and/or credential analysis (unless an allowed exception applies)
• Appear live before the commissioned notary via video
• Confirm your understanding and intent to sign
• Electronically sign the document
• Receive an electronically notarized file with the notarial certificate and seal; some platforms also provide a tamper-evident audit trail

If you need a paper version, print the finalized document. Check the recipient’s requirements; some jurisdictions or institutions require a specific papering out process for a certified paper copy of an electronic record. See general RON guidance from the NNA.

Fees and Records

Notary fees are set by state law, and RON platforms may charge additional service fees. Notaries conducting RON must maintain records in accordance with their state’s retention rules, which may include an audiovisual recording and/or a journal entry. If you need information about accessing the recording or journal entry, ask the platform or notary about their process and any legal restrictions. See state resources via NASS.

Security, Privacy, and Accessibility

Choose a RON platform that uses encryption, tamper-evident technology, and secure storage consistent with your state’s requirements. Confirm how your data and the session recording are stored, who can access them, and for how long. If you require language assistance or disability accommodations, check platform support before booking.

When to Consult an Attorney

• Your POA will control significant financial or healthcare decisions.
• You need state-specific witness or content requirements.
• Your document will be used in litigation or across multiple states.

An attorney can tailor the POA, confirm RON acceptance for your use case, and coordinate any necessary witnesses.

FAQ

Is remote online notarization legal in my state?

Most states authorize some form of RON, but rules vary. Verify via your secretary of state or state notary regulator.

Will a court accept a remotely notarized affidavit?

Many do, but acceptance is court-specific. Check local rules, administrative orders, and e-filing guidance.

Can I use an unsworn declaration instead of notarization?

Sometimes. Federal law (28 U.S.C. § 1746) and some state laws allow unsworn declarations in specified contexts.

Do I need witnesses for a power of attorney?

Some states require witnesses in addition to notarization, especially for healthcare POAs. Confirm before scheduling.

What if my document will be used in another state?

Many states recognize out-of-state notarizations, including RON, but third-party acceptance can vary. Verify with the recipient.

Next Steps

• 1) Confirm acceptance with the receiving court or institution.
• 2) Choose a RON-enabled notary commissioned in a state that authorizes RON.
• 3) Prepare your ID, device, and document.
• 4) Complete the online session and retain your finalized, notarized document.
• 5) File or deliver the document as instructed by the court or institution.

Sources

• National Association of Secretaries of State: Notary resources and RON information (accessed 2025-08-19)
• Uniform Law Commission: Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts (RULONA) resources (accessed 2025-08-19)
• National Notary Association: Remote Online Notarization overview (accessed 2025-08-19)
• 28 U.S.C. § 1746 (Unsworn declarations under penalty of perjury) (accessed 2025-08-19)

Get Help

Questions about notarizing a POA or court forms online, or whether RON will be accepted for your matter? Contact our team.

Disclaimer

This post provides general information about U.S. law and is not legal advice. Laws and requirements vary by state and change over time. Consult an attorney licensed in your state and verify current court or agency policies before relying on an online notarization.