Is Online Notarization Legal?
Updated 2026-09-19
Remote online notarization is authorized in many states, and a notary commissioned in one of those states may perform it under that state's rules. Because notary law is state law, availability, permitted document types and technology requirements vary. Separately from legality, the party receiving your document decides whether they will accept an electronic notarial certificate.
Authorization is state by state
Each state decides whether its notaries may perform remote online notarizations, what identity proofing is required, which platforms may be used, how sessions must be recorded and how long records are kept. Those rules change over time, so a notary's own state authority is the reliable source rather than a general article.
Legality and acceptance are different questions
A properly performed online notarization is a valid notarial act. Whether a specific county recorder, lender, court or foreign government will accept an electronically notarized document is a separate decision made by that organisation. Confirm acceptance before booking.
What to ask
- Is the notary commissioned in a state that authorizes remote online notarization?
- Does my document type qualify under that state's rules?
- Will the recipient accept an electronically signed and sealed document?
- Does my document need witnesses, and can the platform handle them?
A note on legal advice
Notaries cannot tell you whether your document legally requires notarization, or which form to use. If you are unsure, ask the agency receiving the document or a qualified legal professional.
Frequently asked questions
- Can any notary notarize online?
- No. The notary must be authorized to perform remote online notarizations and must use approved technology.
- Does it matter which state I am in?
- It can. The rules that govern the act are the notary's state's rules, and some recipients have location-specific requirements.
- Is it as secure as in person?
- It uses multi-step identity proofing and a recorded session, which are safeguards a traditional notarization does not include.
Search the notary directory
Enter your ZIP code or city to see notaries who serve your area.
Related guides
What Is Remote Online Notarization?
Remote online notarization explained: how a notary meets you by live video, how identity is checked, and when it can be used.
Read guideHow Do Online Notaries Verify Your Identity?
Knowledge-based authentication, credential analysis and biometric checks explained, plus what to do if verification fails.
Read guideCan I Get a Document Notarized Online?
When online notarization is an option, which documents it suits, and the one question to ask before you book.
Read guideCan I Use a U.S. Online Notary While Outside the United States?
Notarizing United States documents from overseas: what is usually possible, what to confirm first, and the consular alternative.
Read guideNotarization requirements vary by state and document type. A notary public generally cannot give legal advice, choose a document for you, draft a document unless separately authorized, tell you how to complete a form, or explain the legal effect of signing. If you are unsure whether your document needs notarization or which notarial act is required, ask the agency or person receiving the document, or consult a qualified legal professional.