Online notarization is both legal and widely accepted in all 50 U.S. states.In 2011, with the passage of House Bill 2318/Senate Bill 827, Virginia became the first state to authorize its notaries to notarize documents remotely via live audio-video technology. Since then, numerous states have passed laws authorizing their notaries to perform online notarizations. These online notarizations are accepted across the country due to a long-standing body of laws in each state that specifically provide for recognition and acceptance of out-of-state notarizations.

 

In addition to laws in each state recognizing and accepting common out-of-state notarizations, the Full Faith and Credit Clause of the US Constitution may provide an additional basis for states to accept out of state notarizations. 

Documents notarized on the Notarize platform are electronically signed by the signer(s) and the notary. Certain states and public agencies have specific additional requirements and limitations for accepting electronically-signed documents and out-of-state notarizations, and not all documents may be electronically-signed. Please confirm with your document originator their acceptance of online notarization prior to your session with your e-notary.

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​How does Notarize vet notaries before allowing them to perform on-demand notarizations on the Notarize platform?

 

The following processes and procedures are used to ensure notaries have the necessary training, tools, and credentials when performing on-demand notarizations on the Notarize platform:
Notaries complete a state-specific onboarding process to ensure they are properly commissioned and that they have the training and tools they need to perform notarizations in compliance with the unique requirements of their state.
A dedicated team of specialists reviews their profiles for accuracy and confirms their commission information against state databases before allowing them onto the platform.
Once approved, the platform intelligently monitors their profiles, blocking them if their information expires and requiring reapproval if they update their information.
Notaries are also required to maintain errors and omissions insurance with sufficient coverage whenever they perform notarizations on the platform.
Finally, notaries must complete specialized training (including Notarize administered courses and assessments and the National Notary Association’s Notary Signing Agent exam) and pass yearly background checks.
Note that notaries must also upload their digital certificate to perform notarizations on the Notarize platform. Digital certificates are only issued to notaries after they successfully complete identity proofing, further ensuring the identity of all notaries performing notarizations on the Notarize platform.