Remote Notarization Guide
How to Notarize Documents from Another Country
US citizens living or traveling abroad no longer need to visit an embassy or consulate to notarize documents. Remote online notarization (RON) lets you notarize legally valid US documents from any country — in minutes, from any device.
What you need
- ✓ Government-issued photo ID (US passport or driver's license)
- ✓ Your document as a PDF
- ✓ A device with a camera and microphone
- ✓ An internet connection
How it works
- 1. Schedule your session — book a concierge appointment or connect on-demand 24/7 through Notarize.com.
- 2. Verify your identity — the PROOF platform confirms your identity via knowledge-based authentication and an ID scan.
- 3. Sign in a live video session — you and the notary are on a recorded video call. You sign electronically; the notary applies their digital seal.
- 4. Receive your notarized document — a tamper-evident, court-admissible PDF is delivered immediately.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to visit a US embassy to notarize documents abroad?
No. Remote online notarization (RON) eliminates the need for embassy or consulate visits entirely. US citizens can notarize documents from any country using a device with a camera and an internet connection.
Is a notarization done over video legally valid in the US?
Yes. Washington State authorizes remote online notarization under RCW 42.45, and RON notarizations are accepted in all 50 US states. The PROOF platform used by Executive Digital Notary produces tamper-evident, court-admissible documents with a complete digital audit trail.
What countries can I notarize documents from?
Any country. Remote online notarization has no geographic restriction on where the signer is located. We regularly serve clients in Germany, France, the UK, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Singapore, Australia, Mexico, and across all other regions.
What do I need to get started?
You need: (1) a government-issued photo ID (US passport or driver's license), (2) the document you need notarized as a PDF, and (3) a device with a working camera and microphone. That's it.
Can I notarize a power of attorney from another country?
Yes. Power of attorney is one of the most common documents we notarize remotely for expats. The completed document is legally valid for use in the US and, if apostilled, for use in Hague Convention countries abroad.
What if I also need an apostille for use in a foreign country?
We facilitate the full apostille process. After notarization, we coordinate with the Washington Secretary of State to obtain the apostille, making your document legally recognized in any of the 120+ Hague Convention countries.
How does the identity verification work remotely?
The PROOF platform verifies your identity using knowledge-based authentication (KBA) — a series of questions drawn from public records — plus a scan of your government-issued ID. This meets or exceeds the identity verification standards required for in-person notarization.
How long does remote notarization take?
Most sessions take 10–20 minutes. On-demand sessions are available 24/7 through our Notarize.com partnership. Concierge sessions can typically be scheduled same-day or next-day.