What Documents Can Be Notarized Online (And Which Still Require In-Person Notaries)
Online notarization has made it easier to notarize many common documents without visiting a notary’s office. However, not all documents are eligible for online notarization, and requirements can vary depending on jurisdiction and intended use.
This guide explains:
- which documents are commonly notarized online
- which ones often require in-person notarization
- how to know if your document is eligible
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
What Is Online Notarization?
Online notarization allows eligible documents to be notarized remotely using secure technology and a live online session with a licensed notary, where permitted by law.
Instead of meeting a notary in person, signers:
- Upload their document
- Verify their identity
- Complete notarization through a live online session
Documents Commonly Eligible for Online Notarization
While eligibility depends on jurisdiction, the following document types are often eligible for online notarization when legal requirements are met.
Personal Documents
- Affidavits
- Declarations
- Consent forms
- Statutory declarations
- Authorization letters
These documents are among the most frequently notarized online because they typically involve fewer regulatory restrictions.
Business Documents
- Contracts and agreements
- Corporate resolutions
- Vendor or service agreements
- Business affidavits
Online notarization is often well-suited for businesses, especially when signers are located in different places.
Power of Attorney (In Some Cases)
- Financial power of attorney
- General power of attorney
- Medical power of attorney (jurisdiction-dependent)
Some power of attorney documents may be notarized online, but additional rules often apply, and acceptance can vary by institution.
Supporting Real Estate Documents
- Affidavits
- Declarations
- Disclosures
- Non-closing supporting documents
Certain real estate-related documents may be eligible, though many core transaction documents are not.
Documents That Often Require In-Person Notarization
Some documents still commonly require in-person notarization due to legal or institutional requirements.
Real Estate Closing Documents
- Deeds
- Mortgages
- Title transfer documents
- Loan closing packages
Even in jurisdictions that allow remote notarization, some real estate transactions require physical presence.
Court-Filed or Government-Specific Documents
- Certain court pleadings
- Immigration documents
- Documents with agency-specific notarization rules
Acceptance depends heavily on the receiving authority.
Documents Requiring Physical Witnesses
If a document requires witnesses who must be physically present, online notarization may not be permitted.
How to Know If Your Document Is Eligible
Before notarizing online, consider:
- Your jurisdiction – Is online notarization permitted?
- Document type – Is it commonly eligible?
- Receiving institution – Will they accept online notarization?
When in doubt, confirm acceptance requirements with the organization requesting the notarized document.
When Online Notarization Makes Sense
Online notarization is often ideal when:
- Speed matters
- Signers are in different locations
- Documents are routine and commonly notarized
- In-person access is inconvenient
For eligible documents, it can save time without sacrificing compliance.
Start Online Notarization with Confidence
If your document is eligible, online notarization can be completed in minutes, without travel or scheduling delays. Start notarization online with ZebraLex
Secure, compliant online notarization – where permitted by law.
Important Notice
ZebraLex provides online notarization services where legally permitted. ZebraLex does not provide legal advice and does not guarantee document acceptance by courts, agencies, or third parties. Users are responsible for confirming eligibility and acceptance requirements.