Notarize your document online anytime

Frequently asked questions about notary

• What is a notarized letter?

  A notarized letter or agreement is a document that has been verified and signed by a notary public. A notary public is an authorized official who ensures the identity of the signer by using ID verification before having the signer sign the document to be notarized.

  There are multiple types of notarizations that a notary public can complete, for example, acknowledgement, jurat, copy, identification, etc. The notarized letter or agreement is the documentation that validates that a trusted individual confirmed the identification of the signers whose signatures are affixed to the document.
  

• Can I notarize a document online?

  Use Docusign to notarize your document online now. Upload your document, verify your identity with a government-issued photo ID, and connect live with a commissioned notary over an audio-visual session to complete the notarization. Docusign On Demand notary is powered by our trusted partner OneNotary, so once you start, you'll be directed to their platform to finish. The whole process happens remotely with no printing, mailing, or in-person appointment required.

• Is online notarization legal in my state?

  Remote online notarization (RON) is legal and recognized across all 50 U.S. states through interstate recognition. A RON act validly performed under the law of the notary's state carries the same legal effect as a traditional in-person, paper-based notarization. That said, RON rules are still evolving, and some states have specific requirements or exceptions, so if you have a particular use case, it's worth confirming with your legal advisor.

• What documents can be notarized online?

  Most documents that can be notarized in person can be notarized online. Common examples include:

  - Powers of attorney

  - Trust certifications

  - Affidavits

  - Deeds

  - Lien releases

  - Spousal consents

  - Life and annuity claims

  - Acknowledgements

  - Waivers

  A few states restrict remote notarization of certain estate documents such as wills, though more states are authorizing these over time. When in doubt about a specific document, check with your legal advisor.
  

• How long does an online notarization session take?

  Most sessions take just a few minutes once you connect with a notary. Because notaries are available on demand, there's no scheduling or travel time. You just upload your document, verify your ID, and meet with a notary right away, typically completing the entire notarization in a single online session.

• Do I need special software or hardware to notarize my document online?

  No special software or hardware is required. You'll need a device with a camera and microphone (a computer, tablet, or smartphone) and a stable internet connection so you can join the live audio-visual session. You'll also need a valid government-issued photo ID on hand for identity verification. Multi-device support means signers can even join from different devices.

• How much does online notarization cost?

  On-demand notarization starts at $25 per notarization through our partner OneNotary. Pricing may vary depending on the number of documents or signatures involved. For businesses that notarize a high volume of documents and want their own notaries or API integration, Docusign offers separate Notary solutions. Contact Sales for details.

• Can I notarize documents outside normal business hours?

  Yes. On-demand notarization gives you 24/7 access to a pool of trained, commissioned notaries. You can connect with a notary anytime, including evenings, weekends, or holidays, and without booking an appointment, which is one of the main advantages of remote online notarization over meeting a notary in person.

• Can multiple signers join the same notarization session?

  Yes. A single notarization session can support multiple signers, and thanks to multi-device support, each signer can join from their own device. Every participant verifies their identity individually before the notarial act is completed.

• What forms of ID are accepted for verification?

  You'll need a valid, government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, state ID, or passport. Identity is confirmed using secure identity-proofing technologies, including photo ID verification and knowledge-based authentication (KBA), which asks questions drawn from your personal history to confirm you are who you say you are. These safeguards help reduce the risk of identity fraud.

• Will I receive a copy of my notarized document immediately?

  Yes. Once the session is complete, your notarized document is available to you right away. Each notarial session also includes a robust audit trail, including a tamper-evident Certificate of Completion, an audio-visual recording, and an electronic journal so your notarization is fully documented and verifiable.