International Online Notarization: All the Information You Need in One Place
Introduction to International Online Notarization
Notarization has long been used to verify the authenticity of documents and signatures. Today, Florida leads the nation in modernizing this process through international online notarization (RON) — allowing clients anywhere in the world to connect with a real Florida notary in real time.
If your notarized documents are destined for use overseas, you may also need an apostille — a government certification that verifies the notary’s authority for international acceptance. Our team handles both online notarization and apostille processing, ensuring your documents meet every international requirement.
Whether you’re living abroad, traveling internationally, or managing business transactions that cross borders, online notarization offers unmatched flexibility, convenience, and legal validity.
Benefits to International Online Notarization
Some benefits of international remote online notarization are:
- It offers greater flexibility. You can have your documents notarized from anywhere in the world, at any time of day or night.
- It can save time and money. Notarizing documents online is faster and more convenient than traditional methods, such as meeting in person with a notary public.
- It is more secure than traditional notarization. Remote online notarization adds an extra layer of authentication to your documents by making them tamper-proof.
This can be particularly important with sensitive or high-value transactions. - It is fast, easy, and affordable.
Overcoming Historical Obstacles to Global Online Notarization: Identity Proofing and Credential Analysis
In the past, Florida notary law mandated the verification of a signer’s identity through third-party analysis of their credentials and an identity-proofing process known as “Knowledge-Based Authentication” (KBA).
KBA required the signer to pass a timed, multiple-choice test consisting of at least five questions unique to their personal information. Remote online notary providers using KBA necessitated a 3-5 year U.S. credit history for their clients. To generate a KBA test, the signer’s credit history was examined for sufficient data.
However, this approach excluded non-U.S. citizens without social security numbers, effectively disqualifying them from utilizing online notarization. Even for those with social security numbers, such as U.S. legal residents working in the country, their credit histories were often insufficient for passing KBA.
Additionally, credential analysis presented further limitations. Early online notary providers restricted the types of identification credentials accepted, initially only allowing state-issued driver’s licenses. Later, U.S. passports were added to the list of approved credentials. This constraint prevented non-U.S. citizens residing outside the country from benefiting from the convenience and security of online notarization for their personal, business, and legal needs.
Modernizing these processes to be more inclusive and accessible is essential for the future of global online notarization.
Florida's Progressive Notary Laws: Embracing Biometric Technology and Expanded Credential Acceptance
In 2022, Florida revolutionized its notary laws by introducing an alternative to the traditional Knowledge-Based Authentication (KBA) method for identity proofing. By incorporating third-party biometric and credential analysis technologies, Florida online notaries are no longer confined to the limitations of KBA.
With this update, notaries are no longer restricted to accepting only U.S. driver’s licenses and passports. They are now authorized to use foreign passports for online notarization, even those without a stamp from the United States Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Florida online notaries can now accept the following ID credentials:
- Florida Driver License or ID Card
- A Driver License or ID Card Issued by any U.S. State or U.S. Territory
- A Driver License or ID Card Issued in Canada or Mexico
- U.S. Passport
- A Passport from Any Country
This streamlined identity-proofing process is both efficient and user-friendly, with the majority of users completing their ID verification via smartphones in under two minutes. This advancement in notary laws signifies a leap toward greater inclusivity and accessibility for individuals worldwide.
Navigating the Inconsistencies in U.S. Online Notarization Laws: Towards a More Streamlined Approach
The landscape of online notarization in the United States is marked by varying regulations and practices. Some states permit remote online notarization (RON), while others do not. Furthermore, certain states have enacted permanent RON laws, while others continue to rely on temporary provisions granted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
These inconsistencies give rise to unconventional and often cumbersome procedures for international notarizations. One particularly antiquated example requires signers to ink-sign paper documents under the online notary’s watchful eye via camera. Subsequently, signers must scan or mail the physical documents to the notary.
It is evident that a more efficient and cohesive approach is necessary to eliminate such outdated practices and facilitate a smoother online notarization experience for all parties involved.
Streamlined Online Notarization for U.S. Citizens Abroad
Online notarization serves as a valuable resource for U.S. citizens living or traveling outside the United States. By offering a convenient and efficient solution, it addresses the unique challenges faced by individuals who require notarization services while residing or journeying in foreign countries.
Adopting a modernized approach to online notarization can significantly improve accessibility for U.S. citizens worldwide, ensuring their personal, business, and legal matters are seamlessly addressed, regardless of their location.
To request an international online notarization, simply click here and follow the steps to place an order.
Once notarized, many of these documents also require an apostille or authentication to be legally accepted overseas. Our Florida-based team can complete the entire process — from secure international online notarization to expedited apostille delivery — without you ever needing to mail documents or appear in person.
Global Notary Services for Non-U.S. Citizens: Seamless Document Notarization
Our certified online notaries are equipped to serve qualified non-U.S. citizens worldwide. All that’s required is a high-speed internet connection, a device featuring a webcam and microphone, and a passport.
We can notarize a wide range of documents, provided they pertain to personal or business matters within the United States. Our goal is to offer a smooth and efficient notarization experience for clients across the globe.
For clients who also need their notarized documents certified for use in another country, we provide complete apostille and authentication support through our Tallahassee and Washington, D.C. offices.
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System Requirements
To complete an online notarization, you will need:
- A desktop, laptop, tablet, or smartphone with a functional camera and microphone.
- A stable, high-speed internet connection.
- The latest version of your web browser and operating system.
- Each signer must have their own email address.
- Signers must be fluent in English or Spanish, or they can use our interpreter service for other languages.
Accepted Photo IDs
For non-U.S. citizens located outside the U.S., you must provide either a valid passport or a government-issued photo ID from the United States, Canada, or Mexico. National ID cards from other countries cannot be used.
Photo IDs must be valid and issued within the last five years. The original ID must be shown to the notary via video during the session.
The following government-issued photo IDs are accepted for online notarization:
- U.S. Passport
- Passport from any country (no USCIS stamp required)
- Florida Driver’s License or ID Card
- Driver’s License or ID Card from any U.S. state or territory, Canada, or Mexico
- U.S. Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services ID Card
- U.S. Uniformed Services ID Card
- Inmate ID (only valid if the inmate is currently incarcerated)
Personal Requirements
- Signers must be at least 18 years old (minors under 18 may sign adoption consent documents).
- Biometric ID verification replaces the need for Social Security numbers or credit history checks.
Document Requirements
- Documents can be in any language, but the notarial wording must be in English. We’ll handle any adjustments to the notarial language.
- All fields on the document must be completed—no empty spaces.
- Signers must review their documents before the notarization session. Notaries are unable to offer legal advice or explain the document’s contents.
- If someone else (e.g., an attorney) is submitting the notarization request, confirm that the signer understands the document and has addressed any questions.
- Please note that we cannot notarize a standalone signature page—ensure the full document is submitted.
Foreign Language Documents
According to Florida law, if the signer does not speak English, they must receive a translation or explanation of the document’s “nature and effect” in a language they fully understand.
If you have questions, we would love to answer them. We can be reached by phone, email, or the chat feature on this website. If you are ready to place an order, just click here.
