U.S. and International Remote Online Notarization (RON)

Florida Online Notary and ApostillePara ver en Español – Oprima Aquí
 Now offering international online notarization for non-U.S. citizens or for U.S. citizens visiting abroad. Click here to learn more.

International Online Notarization
                         Click to Notarize Your Documents.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


I need a Florida apostille for my document.  Can you help?

  • We specialize in obtaining apostilles and authentications for documents intended for use in foreign countries.  Visit our page on apostilles and authentications to learn more.  With our RUSH service, we can have your documents apostilled and ready in 2-3 business days.  Same day service is not available in the State of Florida, regardless of what you may read on other websites.

What is Remote Online Notarization? (RON)

  • Remote online notarization, or “RON” as it’s commonly called, is a 100% online notarization service where documents of all types can be electronically signed and notarized online using a device with a camera and microphone.  Only a certified online notary public can perform online notarizations in Florida.

Do I have to be in Florida to use your remote online notary service?

  • No, our notarizations are valid in all U.S. states and territories.  We can facilitate your online notarization anywhere in the world as long as you meet the minimum requirements.

Fees for Remote Online Notarization

Any person located within the United States, including Puerto Rico:

  • $25 per notarial act (notary stamp).
    (If there are two signers, there are at least two notarial acts.)

For United States citizens located anywhere in the world:

  • The same fees as above.

For Canadian citizens located in Canada:

  • $65 per principal signer.  One notary stamp is included.  Additional notary stamps are $25 each.
    (If there are two signers, there are at least two notarial acts.)

For Non-U.S. citizens located outside of the United States:

  • $95 per principal signer. One notary stamp is included.  Additional notary stamps are $25 each.
    (If there are two signers, there are at least two notarial acts.)

Credential analysis and biometric verification:

  • A $5 per signer credential analysis and biometric ID technology fee is added for each signer who is not personally known to our notaries.  ID-proofing using this technology is required by Florida law.  You do not need a social security number or credit history to use our service.

Add-On Services

  • Witnesses – $40 per required witness, per session.  We can furnish the required witnesses.
  • Priority RUSH handling – $60 – Priority handling during business hours, and for appointments after hours and on most holidays excluding Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
  • Electronic Signatures $8 per signature.  For documents that require a signature but not a notary stamp.

Do you have a Spanish speaking online notary?

  • ¡Sí! Se habla español.

What are your business hours?

  • Our online notaries work 9am – 5pm eastern time Monday through Friday.  We offer a Priority-RUSH option that can accommodate your online notarization needs after hours, on weekends, and on most holidays.

Are all your notaries Florida notaries?

  • Yes, all our notaries are commissioned in the State of Florida.

Do you have to be a United States citizen to use online notarization?

  • U.S. citizens and non-US citizens (foreign nationals) can use remote online notarization quickly and easily.
  • Florida Document Specialists has invested in state-of-the-art biometric ID-proofing technology, which has eliminated the need for old-fashioned “Knowledge Based Authentication KBA”, which is confusing, slow, and often inaccurate.  Now, all you need is your passport (US or foreign), or a government issued identification document.

How do I get started?

  • Click the orange button at the top of this page and follow the directions.  If you need extra help, you’re welcome to call or email.

Can your company provide witnesses?

  • Yes.  We can supply up to two witnesses for your online notarization.

Can I supply my own witnesses?

  • Yes.  However, each witness must pass ID verification the same as the principal signer, and each witness must have their own email address and a suitable device.  Unless you have personal reasons for using your own witnesses, we recommend that you use ours.  There is no difference in price.

How do I receive my notarized documents?

  • Documents notarized online will be emailed to you immediately after your session with the online notary.  Customers typically have their notarized documents within five minutes.  We can also forward the documents to a third party if you wish.

Can online notarization be used for real estate closing and mortgage documents?

  • Yes, we are experienced with notarizing real estate closing and mortgage documents online for both sellers and buyers.
  • Our online notary technology is MISMO certified.

What sets your company apart from the rest?

  • We are experienced with notarizing complex documents.
  • We offer the easiest international online notary solution currently available.
  • Our CEO and online notary coordinator, John Bayne, was selected by the National Notary Association (NNA) as the 2021 Notary of the Year!
  • Florida Document Specialists is Florida’s original online notary service provider.  We are a Florida corporation, and our online notaries are certified by the Florida Department of State to conduct remote online notarizations.
  • We areaccredited, A+ rated, and 5-star reviewed by the Central Florida Better Business Bureau (BBB).
  • We utilize the best remote online notarization (RON) technology and state-of-the art credential analysis and identity proofing systems.  This means that we have technology and capabilities at our disposal that exceed those of our competitors.
  • Our company and each of our notaries is bonded and insured.
  • Unlike most other online notary services, we are accessible and provide telephone support. You can talk, text, or email with your online notary.

Read more about our value-added services.


What are the minimum system requirements to use remote online notarization (RON)?

It is important that you use a supported web browser that can access your webcam and microphone.  

Supported Operating Systems and Browsers

  • Windows PC
    • Google Chrome – Version 30 or higher
    • FireFox – Version 24 or higher
    • Opera – Latest Version
  • Mac (Sierra or above)
    • Google Chrome (Latest Version)
    • Firefox (Latest Version)
  • Android (Phones and Tablets)
    • Google Chrome – Latest Version
  • iOS (iPAD and iPHONE)
    • iOS 11 or higher (Operating System)
    • Safari or Google Chrome Browser

How long does an online notary session take?

  • Your online video session with your notary typically takes under five minutes.  Estate planning documents such as electronic wills, trusts, and durable power of attorney documents may take up to thirty minutes.

Is Remote Online Notarization safe and secure?

  • Yes, it is more secure than traditional paper notarizations.  We employ technology that performs credential (ID) and biometric analysis to stop fraudsters cold in their tracks.  Also, each session is audio video recorded and archived.

What is a notarial act?  Does my document need specific notary language?

  • Most documents presented to an online notary public already have a notary block containing the proper notarial language that makes it clear to the online notary which notarial act is required.  We can edit your notary block for proper Florida format.
  • The two most common notarial acts that an online notary performs are oaths and acknowledgements.  If you submit a document to us for notarization without proper notarial language, your online notary is going to ask you what type of notarial act you want performed.  If you do not know, the online notary cannot decide for you, but we can help you research your options.

Is there an official record of the online notary session?

  • Yes, all remote online notary (RON) sessions are audio-video recorded, and the recordings are kept for ten years.  Our notaries also keep a detailed notary journal of all remote online notary transactions.

What type of identification (ID) do I need to use remote online notarization?

The following types of identification are acceptable:

  • Driver License or ID Card
  • U.S. Passport
  • Foreign Passport
  • Most Government Issued Photo ID Cards

If you do not possess a qualifying identification document, you can use the affidavits of two credible witnesses instead.


Will I have to provide my social security number? 

  • Our company will never ask you for your social security number, nor do we have access to it.

What documents can be notarized using a remote online notary?

  • Virtually any document that can be notarized by a traditional in-person notary can be notarized online.  There are special procedures that must be followed for the online notarization of certain estate planning documents such as wills, trusts, durable power of attorney, and advance healthcare directives.

Can I execute (notarize) a last will and testament online?

  • Yes, Florida Document Specialists can notarize your electronic will online and provide the services of a qualified custodian of electronic wills.  This is a specialized area of online notarization that most companies cannot offer.

Do I need a “qualified custodian of electronic will” if I decided to execute my will online?

  • Yes.  Notarizing a last will and testament online requires the designation of a Qualified Custodian of Electronic Wills.  In addition, there are other specialized procedures which must be followed.  Florida Document Specialists is one of only two companies in Florida that are set up to offer these services.  To submit a last will and testament for notarization please visit this page.

If you need a simple will prepared, we offer nonlawyer document preparation services for electronic wills.   We can bundle your electronic will with other estate planning documents such as a durable power of attorney,  lady bird deeds, and advance healthcare directives, for a better value.


Can I notarize a durable general power of attorney via RON?


Can we get married online using remote notarization?

  • No.  Florida prohibits online marriages.

I need a notarized travel authorization to travel internationally with a minor child.  Can you help?

Yes, indeed.  We’ll even prepare a custom letter for you for free.  Read our blog about minor travel authorization documents.


Can you notarize a USPS form PS 1583 online? (Delivery of mail through agent.)


My document requires two witnesses.  Can you provide them?

  • Yes, and we can provide witnesses for your documents.  We also offer an eRecording service to electronically record deeds in most Florida counties.

Can you use online notarization for documents that require multiple signers?

  • Yes, the online notary system supports multiple signers and witnesses at the same time.

Do my documents have to be, “Florida documents?” 

  • No.  We can notarize documents online that have no association with Florida.  However, to use online notarization, the documents must pertain to some matter in connection with the United States.

There are places on my documents that need electronic signatures and initials.  Can you handle this?

  • Yes, we can set up your documents for multiple electronic signatures and initials.

Do you provide emergency or RUSH notary services?

  • We offer an optional Priority-RUSH service for emergencies or for after-hours and holiday appointments.

 

Can I submit a blank document or just the signature page for online notarization?

  • No.  You must properly complete documents prior to submitting them.  We do not accept loose signature pages or documents that are not filled out properly.

Can verify vehicle identification numbers (VIN) through remote online notarization?

  • No.  The HSMV form 82402 requires an in-person physical inspection of the vehicle.  It cannot be notarized online.  Many police departments offer this service for free.

I’ve been told that I need a “wet” signature, or my document will not be accepted.  Can you help?

  • No.  Florida online notarizations are done completely online, and all signatures are electronic.

Online Notary Call Centers – Your Mileage may Vary

We frequently receive calls from consumers asking us to “repair” documents that were incorrectly notarized online by a “call center notary”.

An online notary “call center” operation is a non-Florida company that recruits subcontract notaries En masse.  Since these companies are just the “middleman”, the focus is on volume and not quality or accountability.  Call center notaries are scattered across the country and operate under various state laws.  Companies that follow this business model typically lure consumers with national advertising and then match them with inexperienced notaries.  These subcontract online notaries are rarely vetted, and many produce unsatisfactory work.  If you ever need to speak with your notary before or after your appointment, you are going to have issues.   Call center notary companies typically don’t have  customer service phone numbers that are answered.


Questions?  Please email us using the form below: