What is online notary?

As digital services reshape how we work and live, online notarisation is quickly becoming the preferred method for legalising documents across the UK, USA, and Europe. But what exactly is online notary, how does it work, and is it legally accepted where you live or do business?

Understanding Online Notary: The Basics

Online notary services function by replacing the physical presence requirement with a virtual interaction. During a live video session, a commissioned notary public:

Confirms your identity through government-issued identification or biometric verification
Watches you electronically sign the document
Applies a secure digital notary seal that is tamper-evident
Records the entire session to create a verifiable audit trail

This secure and legally recognised process, known in some regions as Remote Online Notarisation (RON), ensures the same legal validity as traditional notarisation, while offering enhanced convenience and security.

For a step-by-step explanation, see our full guide on How Does Online Notarisation Work?

Real-Life Scenarios Where Online Notarisation Makes a Difference

Here are some common examples where online notary services are invaluable:

UK nationals overseas needing certified copies of birth or marriage certificates
U.S. entrepreneurs signing business documents while travelling internationally
Students preparing visa applications with Letters of Enrolment
Families notarising wills or powers of attorney without delays

Online notarisation eliminates geographical barriers, time-zone challenges, and office visit requirements—making document legalisation faster and more accessible than ever.

What Documents Can Be Notarised Online?

The types of documents commonly notarised online include:

Powers of Attorney
Last Wills and Testaments (subject to local regulations)
Commercial contracts and company documents
Academic credentials and Letters of Enrolment
Marriage certificates issued by places of worship

Each document receives a secure digital seal and timestamp. Where required, additional steps such as apostille or embassy legalisation can ensure international validity.

Legality and Security of Online Notarisation

Online notarisation is legally accepted in many parts of the world:

United Kingdom:

The Faculty Office of the Archbishop of Canterbury permits online video notarisation, especially when combined with electronic apostilles.
United States:

Over 45 states have permanent RON laws, allowing notaries to operate online while located in their commissioning state. Read more about which states allow online notary.
Europe:

Countries including Germany, Austria, Spain, and Estonia have implemented digital notarisation under eIDAS regulations.

At Online Notary Public UK, we ensure all sessions are encrypted, identities are verified, and every notarisation is securely stored to meet both legal and regulatory standards.

Get in touch with our team.

Why Choose Online Notary Services?

Notarise from anywhere, on your schedule
Fully secure, encrypted, and legally recognised process
Ideal for clients living abroad or with time constraints
Suitable for personal, academic, and commercial documents
Professional service with international compliance

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Online Notary Services

What is Remote Online Notarisation (RON)?

A term mainly used in the U.S. for notarising via real-time video with electronic seals.

Is the process safe and secure?

Yes, it includes identity checks, encryption, and video recording for audit and fraud prevention.

How long does it take?

Appointments often last 10–15 minutes, with documents delivered digitally right after.

Is the video session recorded?

Yes, recordings are stored securely as part of the legal audit trail.

Is a digital seal as valid as a physical stamp?

Yes, it’s tamper-evident and carries the same legal weight when issued by a qualified notary.

How much does online notarisation cost?

Online notary services in the UK generally cost between £95 and £125 per document, with additional fees for multiple signers, document amendments, or Apostille requirements. For more details, please visit our Cost and Fees page

OTHER ONLINE SERVICES

Online Apostille

Our online apostille service provides fast, secure digital legalisation for international documents. Fully compliant with the Hague Convention, we handle the entire apostille process online—ensuring your documents are officially certified and accepted worldwide. Choose our trusted online apostille service for quick, recognised legalisation across multiple jurisdictions.

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.