Last updated: May 2026
An online notary is a state-commissioned notary public who performs legally binding notarizations via live video call using identity verification technology and tamper-evident digital seals. The process takes 10–20 minutes, works in over 45 U.S. states, and costs $25–$50 per session for most documents including real estate paperwork, powers of attorney, affidavits, and business contracts. This article explains how online notarization works, its legal validity, costs, and how to complete a session.
Written by the BlueNotary team — experienced practitioners in remote online notarization
If you've never used an online notary before, you probably have questions about whether it's legal, how the process actually works, and what it costs. This article answers all of them.
What Is an Online Notary?
An online notary — also called a remote online notary or RON — is a commissioned notary public who performs notarizations over the internet using audio-video technology instead of meeting in person. The notary witnesses your signature through a live video session, verifies your identity digitally, and applies a tamper-evident electronic seal to the document.
The key distinction: this isn't someone just watching you sign over a regular video call. It's a structured, state-regulated process with identity verification, secure platforms, and digital audit trails. Every session is recorded and stored.
Think of an online notary as the digital equivalent of a traditional notary public. Same legal authority, same state commission — just delivered through a secure platform instead of a physical office.
The terms electronic notary (or e-notary) and remote notary are often used interchangeably with online notary. Technically, an e-notary can mean a notary who uses electronic tools but still meets in person, while a remote online notary specifically involves a video session. When most people search "online notary," they mean the remote video version.
How Does Online Notarization Work?
The process is more straightforward than most people expect. Here's what actually happens from start to finish:
Upload your document: You submit the document through an online notary platform (like BlueNotary) before the session begins. The platform converts it to an electronic format if needed.
Verify your identity: This is where online notarization differs most from the traditional process. You'll complete two layers of identity verification:
- Credential analysis — you photograph a government-issued ID, and the system checks its security features
- Knowledge-Based Authentication (KBA) — you answer questions drawn from your personal records (address history, previous loans, etc.) that only you would know
Join the live video session: You connect with a commissioned notary public via video call. The notary confirms your identity, watches you sign electronically, and asks you to acknowledge the document.
Notary applies the digital seal: The notary signs and stamps the document with a tamper-evident digital certificate. This certificate permanently links the notary's credentials to that specific document at that exact moment.
Receive your notarized document: The completed document is sent to you electronically. Most platforms also store a copy along with the full video recording of the session.
The entire process typically takes 10–20 minutes, including identity verification. Sessions are recorded and kept on file, which actually gives online notarization a stronger audit trail than the traditional in-person process.
Is Online Notarization Legal?
Online notarization is legal in the vast majority of the United States. As of 2026, more than 45 states have enacted permanent remote online notarization laws. Several additional states allow it under temporary or emergency provisions.
The legal foundation comes from two sources. First, state RON statutes authorize notaries to perform notarizations via video technology. Second, the federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce (ESIGN) Act established that electronic signatures and records carry the same legal weight as paper equivalents.
What about documents notarized in one state but used in another? A cornerstone of U.S. law — the Full Faith and Credit Clause — generally requires states to recognize legal acts performed in other states. Most states have adopted the position that a validly performed RON session in one state will be recognized in other states.
A small number of document types still require in-person notarization in certain states, including some real estate transactions and court filings. Always confirm requirements with the receiving party before scheduling an online notary session.
Online Notary vs Traditional Notary: Key Differences
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | Online Notary | Traditional Notary |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Anywhere with internet | Must appear in person |
| Identity verification | Multi-factor digital (KBA + credential scan) | Visual ID check |
| Document format | Electronic | Paper or electronic |
| Availability | Often 24/7 | Business hours, appointment required |
| Audit trail | Video recording + digital log | Paper journal only |
| Cost | $25–$50 per session | $5–$25 per signature |
| Turnaround | Same session | Same session (if available) |
The audit trail difference is worth noting. Traditional notarization relies on a paper journal entry and the notary's memory. Online notarization produces a timestamped video recording, a digital certificate, and a platform-generated log — all stored securely. For complex transactions like real estate closings, that's a meaningful advantage.
Some people ask about Bank of America with notary services — many bank branches offer free notarization for account holders, which works fine for simple documents. But bank notaries have limited hours, and you need to be physically present. In our work with clients on online notary services, we've consistently seen that the 24/7 availability becomes the deciding factor when someone is facing a deadline or coordinating across time zones. An online notary is the practical alternative when you're pressed for time or outside business hours.
What Documents Can Be Notarized Online?
Most common documents that require notarization can be handled by an online notary. The list includes:
- Real estate documents — deeds, mortgage refinancing, seller disclosures (availability varies by state and lender)
- Powers of attorney — both financial and healthcare POA documents
- Wills and trusts — estate planning documents, though some states have specific witness requirements
- Affidavits and sworn statements — including those needed after events like car accidents (our guide on document notarization after car accidents covers this in detail)
- Business contracts — partnership agreements, loan documents, corporate resolutions
- Title transfers — vehicle titles, property title documents
- Immigration documents — affidavits of support, sworn statements
- Adoption paperwork — consent forms and related legal documents
A small category of documents is excluded. Some states prohibit online notarization for certain court filings, and a handful of lenders still require wet ink signatures on specific mortgage documents. Our team has reviewed hundreds of rejected session requests, and the pattern is clear: the receiving institution — a court clerk, a title company, a lender — ultimately determines what format they'll accept.
How Much Does Online Notarization Cost?
Online notary fees vary by state law and platform. Most states cap the fee an online notary can charge per notarial act. Virginia, which pioneered RON legislation, caps fees at $25 per act. Other states set limits between $10 and $50.
On most platforms, you'll pay per session rather than per signature. A typical online notary session through a platform like BlueNotary runs $25–$50 for standard documents. More complex transactions involving multiple notarial acts or e-closing services cost more.
Compare that to traditional options: a bank notary is often free for account holders but requires an in-person visit. A mobile notary who comes to your location typically charges $75–$200 once you factor in travel fees.
For most individuals, the online notary fee is the most cost-effective option when you weigh the time saved against the dollar cost.
How to Get a Document Notarized Online
Here's the step-by-step process for using an online notary platform:
Confirm your document qualifies: Check that your document type is accepted for online notarization in your state and by the receiving party (lender, court, agency).
Choose a platform: Use a state-authorized RON platform. BlueNotary operates across all states that permit remote online notarization. Visit bluenotary.us to check availability for your state.
Create an account and upload your document: Most platforms let you start without a subscription. Upload your document in PDF format.
Complete identity verification: Have your government-issued ID ready. You'll photograph it and complete the KBA questions. This takes 3–5 minutes.
Connect with a notary: Depending on the platform, you'll either be matched with an available notary immediately or schedule a specific time. On-demand sessions are often available around the clock.
Sign and acknowledge: During the video session, you'll sign the document electronically while the notary watches. You'll verbally acknowledge the document's purpose.
Download your notarized document: After the notary applies their seal, you receive the completed document by email or direct download. The session recording is archived automatically.
The whole process — from account creation to completed document — often takes under 30 minutes on your first session. Returning users can complete it in under 15 minutes.
Common Questions About Online Notaries
Can I use an online notary in any state?
You can use an online notary in most states, but not all. Over 45 states have active RON laws. A few states still require in-person notarization for all documents. Even if your state doesn't have a RON law, you may be able to use a notary commissioned in a state that does — many states explicitly allow this for documents that will be used across state lines.
Is an online notary signature legally valid?
Yes. An online notary signature carries the same legal weight as an in-person notarization in states with RON laws. The notary holds a valid state commission, the session is conducted under state-regulated procedures, and the digital seal is tamper-evident. Courts and government agencies in RON-authorized states accept these documents.
What do I need for an online notary session?
You need a device with a working camera and microphone (laptop, tablet, or smartphone), a stable internet connection, a government-issued photo ID, and the document you need notarized. Some platforms require you to upload the document before the session; others allow upload during.
How is an online notary different from just emailing a signed document?
An online notary session involves real-time identity verification, a live witnessed signing, and a tamper-evident digital certificate applied by a commissioned notary. Simply emailing a signed document has none of those elements. A notarized document proves who signed it, when, and that they signed willingly — an emailed PDF proves none of that.
Does becoming a notary public change for online notarization?
Becoming a notary public (sometimes searched as "becoming a notary republic") follows the same state-based commission process. However, to perform online notarizations, a notary must also register with a state-approved RON platform and complete additional training on the technology and procedures. The base commission comes first; the RON authorization is a separate step. The National Notary Association provides resources on both paths.
Conclusion
Online notarization is legal, fast, and available in most U.S. states. The process takes under 20 minutes, produces a stronger audit trail than traditional notarization, and works for the vast majority of documents people actually need notarized.
Written by the BlueNotary team — Remote Online Notary Services practitioners. Ready to get started? Visit BlueNotary to learn more.
