Which states allow online notary?

Is online notary legal in your state? Here’s a quick look at the 2025 legal landscape across the USA to see which states allow online notary services—and which are still catching up.

Which U.S. States Allow Online Notary in 2025?

As of 2025, approximately 45 to 47 states plus the District of Columbia have enacted permanent laws permitting online notarisation. These states have established clear legal frameworks that define:

Technology standards
Identity verification procedures
Recordkeeping requirements
Approved online notarisation platforms

This growing acceptance ensures that documents notarised online in these states carry the same legal weight as traditional notarisations.

States Fully Permitting Online Notarisation

The following states have fully implemented online notarisation laws, allowing commissioned notaries to perform remote notarisation legally through authorized platforms:

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.

States with Limited or Pending Online Notary Laws

California: The state passed Senate Bill 696 (SB 696) authorizing online notarisation, but full implementation is still phased in gradually. Widespread use is expected to increase over time. Notaries and signers should monitor state updates for the latest rollout status.
South Carolina: Currently lacks permanent online notary laws but allows temporary or emergency measures and may permit hybrid notarisation options in specific situations.

How Does Online Notarisation Work in Permitting States?

In states where online notarisation is legal, the process typically includes:

Selecting a state-approved online notary platform (e.g., Notarize, DocuSign Notary, OneNotary)
Completing identity verification through photo ID analysis and knowledge-based authentication (KBA)
Connecting with a commissioned notary via secure live video for the signing session
Signing documents electronically with digital signatures and seals applied by the notary
Receiving tamper-evident, legally binding notarised documents delivered digitally

This process offers fast, secure, and fully compliant notarisation without leaving your home or office.

Why Use Online Notarisation? Key Benefits

Convenience: Notarise documents anywhere, anytime without travel or scheduling in-person appointments.
Speed: Faster processing saves time for individuals and businesses.
Security: Advanced identity checks and tamper-evident seals ensure document authenticity.
Accessibility: Helpful for signers living abroad or in remote areas.
Compliance: Fully legal and recognized in participating states with the same validity as traditional notarisation.

When Should You Use Online Notary Services?

Online notary services are suitable for a wide variety of documents, including but not limited to:

Affidavits and sworn statements
Powers of attorney
Real estate contracts and deeds
Loan and financial documents
Healthcare directives and living wills
Business agreements
Parental consent and travel authorization forms

Always confirm if your specific document type and jurisdiction accept online notarisation.

Are Online Notarised Documents Valid Outside the U.S.?

While online notarisation is legal and valid in many U.S. states, international acceptance varies widely. Documents notarised online may need additional authentication such as apostilles or consular legalization for use abroad. Always verify the destination country’s requirements before relying on an online notarised document internationally.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Which States Allow Online Notary

Can I use online notary services if I’m outside the U.S.?

Yes. Many states allow the signer to be anywhere globally, provided the notary is physically located in their commissioning state during notarisation.

Are all document types accepted for online notarisation across all states?

Most documents are accepted; however, some states restrict certain documents, like wills or powers of attorney, to in-person notarisation only. Always verify your state’s specific rules.

What should I do if my state doesn’t allow online notarisation yet?

You can check for temporary or hybrid notarisation options in your state or wait until legislation is passed. Meanwhile, in-person notarisation remains valid.

Do online notarised documents hold the same legal weight as traditional notarisations?

Yes. Online notarised documents executed in compliance with state laws are legally valid and accepted by courts, banks, and government agencies.

Do states regulate online notary fees?

Yes, most states set maximum allowable fees for online notarisation to protect consumers from overcharging. These limits can differ by jurisdiction.

Does online notarisation comply with federal laws?

While notarisation is primarily state-regulated, many online notary services comply with federal regulations where applicable, especially for documents involving interstate commerce.

OTHER ONLINE SERVICES

Online Apostille

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Online Notarisation

Our Online Notarisation service lets you sign and notarise documents online with certified UK notaries. It’s fast, secure, and accepted in many countries. Complete everything from anywhere, with no need for appointments or paperwork delays.