Last updated August 15, 2023

What is Online Notary?

Illustration/photograph of a notary public and a customer connecting through their devices to notarize a document remotely.

Online Notary is a digital service that allows any person or business to notarize legal documents virtually using our secure process. Instead of meeting with a notary public physically, you connect with them remotely using your device’s camera and microphone over the internet.

Online Notary is transforming how we notarize documents by offering a quick, easy-to-use, and legal alternative while remaining secure and affordable.

You may also hear online notarization referred to as:

  • Remote online notarization (RON)
  • Virtual notarization
  • Digital notarization
  • Internet notarization

How does Online Notary work?

Online Notary is similar to the traditional process, except that meetings happen over a call, through your webcam. The steps to Online Notary are as follows:

1. Upload

First, upload legal documents from your device or select from hundreds of LawDepot templates. Next, provide the names of all signers and witnesses and test your device's camera and microphone.

To verify identities, we’ll also ask you to upload a piece of valid ID for every signer. You don’t have to upload IDs for witnesses. In addition, we’ll ask you some identity-verification questions.

Illustration of a hand holding a mobile phone and taking a picture of their identification.

2. Connect

Join the call with the notary public via webcam so they can notarize your documents. Please note all signers and witnesses must be in the same room during the call.

A photo of a female notary and a photo of a male signer connected by a camera iIllustration, with microphone icons placed next to each photo.

3. Pay and download

After the process is complete, simply pay and download your notarized document.

An illustration of two credit cards next to a stack of notarized documents that have a badge of approval on top of them.

How much does Online Notary cost?

LawDepot’s Online Notary costs $25 for the first seal and $10 for each additional seal.

And illustration that has a badge and stars, and says $25 First Seal and $10 Additional Seal

Yes. Online Notary is legal in all U.S. states and territories, including Washington, D.C. The Full Faith and Credit Clause of the U.S. Constitution allows a notarization performed in one state to be legal in any other state. This clause enables all US citizens to notarize their documents online.

An illustration of a map of the United States with a check mark in the center.

In addition, the United States Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce (E-Sign) Act recognizes digital signatures as legally valid.

Many states have enacted laws regarding remote notarization. However, some states may have limitations for remotely notarized documents. For your unique situation, be sure to check with the court or other authorities to ensure that they accept remote notarizations and electronic signatures.

Benefits of Online Notary

LawDepot’s Online Notary is beneficial for many reasons, including the following:

1. Security

To protect your personal information and documents, we use an X.509 certificate. Our site is encrypted using 128-bit or higher encryption strength and Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocol. We only keep your personal information as long as legally required, then delete it.

To further protect you, we verify all signers’ identities, ensuring the notarized document's integrity. Identity verification helps to prevent fraud and provides a secure and reliable way to complete notarization transactions.

2. Ease

Our Online Notary process is easy! We break down the process into simple steps and give you easy-to-understand directions. The entire process can be completed in minutes, saving you time and hassle.

3. Accessibility

Online Notary allows you to get your documents notarized from the comfort of your own home or office. It makes notarization services more convenient and accessible, eliminating the need for people or businesses to travel to a physical location.

What do I need for Online Notary?

To complete the Online Notary process, you need to:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Provide your U.S. address
  • Provide the last four digits of your Social Security Number (SSN)

In addition, you also need the following:

1. Document(s) to notarize 

You need a digital file of your document or a LawDepot template. You can create a digital legal document, upload an existing file, or scan a physical document. 

2. Device and internet connection

You need a device (such as a computer, laptop, or smartphone) with a camera, microphone, speakers, and good internet connection.

3. Identity document (ID)

To verify your identity, you need a piece of valid (not expired) ID, such as a:

  • State ID
  • U.S. driver’s license
  • U.S. passport

What types of notarization does Online Notary offer?

LawDepot’s Online Notary offers both acknowledgement and jurat:

  • An acknowledgement is when the parties declare to the notary their willingness to sign a document.
  • A jurat is when the parties swear or affirm in front of the notary that the contents of the document are truthful.

We do not offer copy certifications, also known as certified copies.

What documents can be notarized with LawDepot Online Notary?

With Online Notary, you can notarize the following documents:

Affidavits and sworn statements

Family documents

Estate planning and healthcare documents

Real estate deeds and contracts

Loan and financial documents

Business documents

What types of documents cannot be notarized with LawDepot’s Online Notary?

You cannot notarize the following documents with LawDepot’s Online Notary:

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