Are Online Notary Services Legal in the UK, USA and Europe?

Is it legal? Let’s break down the current legal landscape in the UK, USA, and Europe (EU and key Member States).

Introduction to online notarisation

What is online notarisation?

An online notary (also known as Remote Online Notarization, or RON) enables individuals to have documents notarised via live video conference. Digital identity verification, secure electronic seals, and tamper-evident document delivery are used—eliminating the need for in-person visits.

Are Online Notary Services Legal in the UK?

The UK allows online notary services under regulated conditions governed by the Faculty Office of the Archbishop of Canterbury:

Guidance from the Faculty Office outlines protocols for remote notarisation, including due diligence, video-identification, audit trails, and secure record‑keeping
UK notaries public may conduct online notarisation for clients abroad or for urgent matters, provided risk is managed appropriately.
Some documents (e.g. certain statutory oaths or declarations) still require physical, in-person witnessing.

For details on eligibility and service, link to your internal “UK online notary process” page.

Are Online Notary Services Legal in the USA?

As of early 2025, online notary services are legally recognised in most U.S. states:

According to NotaryCam, as of March 2025, 45 states and the District of Columbia permit remote online notarisation (RON) under permanent laws; others will soon follow
NotaryLive confirms recent expansions: California (SB 696), Massachusetts, and Illinois enacted RON laws effective January 2024; DC fully authorised RON in 2024
Requirements typically include: notary physically in-state, secure live audio-visual connection, identity verification (ID scan + KBA or biometrics), electronic seal, and audit log
Some states impose in-state residency requirements—e.g. signer may be anywhere, but notary must be commissioned in that state

Note that North Carolina requires both the signer and notary to be within U.S. territory during the RON act. In California, RON is legal but the infrastructure is still being phased in; many residents use out‑of‑state notaries in RON‑enabled states.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Online Notary Costs

What is the average online notary cost in the UK?

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.

Are online notary fees regulated in the UK?

No. In the United Kingdom, notary fees are not subject to regulation. Each notary sets their own prices based on experience, service level, and document complexity.

Can solicitors offer online notary services in the UK?

No. Only qualified notaries are authorised to perform notarisation. However, solicitors can certify certain documents domestically at a lower cost if a notarial seal is not required.

Do online notary platforms charge additional service fees?

Yes. Many platforms charge for optional services such as expedited processing, additional document uploads, video recording, and identity verification technologies.

What is the cost of an Apostille?

An Apostille typically costs between £35 and £85, excluding courier and handling fees. Some providers include Apostille services in their packages, while others offer it as a separate add-on.

Are subscription models available for frequent users?

Yes. Some online notary platforms offer monthly or annual plans, especially for law firms and businesses requiring regular notarisation. This can help reduce the per-document online notary cost

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.