How Does Remote Online Notarization Work?

Stage 1: submitting the document

You upload the unsigned document and describe the request — who is signing, where each signer is physically located, what the document is for, and when you need it. Location matters because the notary must record it, and because it affects what is possible.

Stage 2: review

Review is the step most people do not expect, and it is the one that saves the most time. It catches documents that need a paper original, forms missing a notarial certificate, witness requirements you did not know about, and recipients that will not accept an electronic record.

Stage 3: identity verification

You present an unexpired government-issued photo ID, which is analyzed for authenticity, and you answer identity-proofing questions generated from public records. If verification fails, it usually fails for fixable reasons: a glare-covered ID photo, a recently changed address, or a name mismatch.

• Use a well-lit room and a steady hand when capturing your ID
• Have your full legal name ready as it appears on the document
• Expect questions about past addresses or accounts

Stage 4: the session

You join a secure audio/video session with the notary. The notary confirms you are the person who was verified, confirms you are signing willingly and knowingly, watches you sign electronically, then applies their electronic signature and seal. Witnesses, if required, join the same session.

Stage 5: delivery

The completed electronic document is returned to you securely. Keep the electronic original — the digital file carries the notarization, and printing it may not preserve everything a recipient wants to verify.