What Notarize does and who can use it
Notarize is an online platform that connects you with a notary public through video call to have documents notarized without meeting in person. You upload your document, schedule a session with an available notary, and complete the notarization on your computer or phone. The notary verifies your identity, watches you sign the document, and applies their official seal and signature electronically.
Notarize operates in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., though the types of documents each state allows to be notarized remotely vary. Some states permit remote notarization for most documents; others restrict it to specific categories like powers of attorney or loan documents. You will need a valid government-issued ID, a document that needs notarizing, and an internet connection with a working camera and microphone.
The service is available to anyone who needs a document notarized, whether for personal use, real estate transactions, legal matters, or business purposes. Notarize does not handle all document types — some states prohibit remote notarization for wills, certain real estate deeds, or documents requiring a witness — so you will need to check whether your specific document qualifies before booking.
Key Takeaways
- Notarize charges a flat fee per document (typically $25 to $50 depending on document complexity and your state), paid at the time of booking.
- The notarization process takes 5 to 15 minutes once you are connected with a notary, and the notarized document is emailed to you within minutes of completion.
- Your state's laws determine which documents can be notarized remotely through Notarize; some states allow most documents, while others restrict the service to specific types.
- You must have a valid government-issued photo ID and be physically present during the video call; the notary will not notarize documents you sign before or after the session.
How to book and complete a notarization on Notarize
Start by visiting the Notarize website and uploading the document you need notarized. The platform will ask you to select your state and document type. Notarize will then tell you whether remote notarization is available for that document in your state — if it is not, you will not be able to proceed through their service.
Once your document is approved, you choose a time slot from available notaries. Notarize shows you the cost upfront before you pay. Most sessions are available within hours, though peak times may have longer waits. You will pay by credit card or debit card at booking.
At your scheduled time, you log into the video call with the notary. Have your government-issued ID ready and your unsigned document open on your screen or printed in front of you. The notary will verify your identity by asking you questions about your ID, confirm you are signing willingly, watch you sign the document, and then explore their electronic seal and signature. The entire process usually takes 5 to 15 minutes.
After the session ends, Notarize emails you the notarized document as a PDF within a few minutes. The document is ready to use when ready — you do not need to wait for anything to arrive by mail. If you need multiple copies, you can print the PDF yourself or request additional certified copies from Notarize for an extra fee.
Cost and what affects the price
Notarize charges per document, not per page. A single document typically costs between $25 and $50, though the exact price depends on your state and the complexity of the notarization. Some states have higher fees because notaries charge more there, and some document types (such as those requiring multiple signatures or witness verification) may cost more than a straightforward single-signature notarization.
The price you see when you upload your document is the final price — there are no hidden fees or additional charges added later. If you need the same document notarized multiple times (for example, if you need five certified copies), you will pay the per-document fee for each notarization.
Notarize does not offer refunds if you change your mind after booking, so review the cost and document details before completing payment. Some states allow you to request a refund within a short window (usually 24 hours) if you have not yet had your session, but this varies by state and Notarize's current policy.
State-by-state differences in what can be notarized remotely
Remote notarization laws differ significantly across states. Some states, such as California, Florida, and New York, permit remote notarization for most documents, including powers of attorney, loan documents, affidavits, and general contracts. Other states restrict remote notarization to specific document types or prohibit it entirely for certain high-risk categories.
Documents that are often restricted or prohibited from remote notarization include wills, certain real estate deeds, documents involving minors, and papers that require a witness in addition to the notary. Some states also prohibit remote notarization for documents that must be notarized in the presence of multiple parties or that involve property transfers.
Notarize's website will tell you when ready whether your document and state combination is supported. If you are unsure whether your document qualifies, you can contact Notarize's support team before booking, or you can check your state's notary laws directly through your state's Secretary of State office.
How Notarize verifies your identity
The notary will ask you to hold your government-issued photo ID up to your camera so they can see it clearly. They will ask you questions about information on your ID — such as your address, date of birth, or license number — to confirm you are the person named on the document. This process is similar to showing your ID in person at a bank or government office.
Notarize also uses technology to detect signs of fraud, such as deepfakes or video manipulation, though the primary verification method is the notary's direct observation during the video call. The notary is responsible for confirming your identity and will refuse to notarize if they have any doubt about who you are.
You must be physically present during the entire video call. The notary will not notarize a document you signed before the call or ask you to sign after the call ends. This requirement protects against fraud and ensures the notary can witness your signature in real time.
When Notarize is not the right choice
If your document is prohibited from remote notarization in your state, you will need to visit a notary in person. This includes wills in most states, certain real estate documents, and any papers your state law specifically reserves for in-person notarization only.
If you need a notary to witness multiple signatures or verify the identity of people in addition to the signer, Notarize may not work — some states do not allow remote notarization for documents with multiple signers or witnesses. Check the platform's rules for your state before booking.
If you do not have a government-issued photo ID or cannot participate in a video call, you will need to find a notary who can work with you in person. Notarize requires both a valid ID and a working camera and microphone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Notarize if I live outside the United States?
Notarize operates in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., but not internationally. If you are outside the U.S., you will need to find a notary service in your country or state. Some U.S. states may allow remote notarization for people temporarily abroad, but this varies by state law.
What if I need the notarized document urgently?
Notarize typically has available notaries within hours, and the notarized document is emailed to you within minutes of your session. If you book during business hours, you may be able to complete the notarization the same day. Evening and weekend slots are also available in most states.
Can I use Notarize for a document that requires a witness?
Most states do not allow remote notarization for documents that require a witness in addition to the notary. Notarize will tell you during the upload process whether your document qualifies. If it does not, you will need to find a notary who can meet you in person.
What happens if the notary refuses to notarize my document?
A notary can refuse to notarize a document if they suspect fraud, if you cannot prove your identity, or if the document is prohibited in your state. If this happens, Notarize will refund your fee. You can then either book with a different notary or pursue in-person notarization.
Do I need to print the document before my session?
No. You can display the document on your screen during the video call, and the notary will watch you sign it digitally. If you prefer to sign a printed copy, you can do that too — just have it visible to the notary's camera during the session.