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Where Can Documents Notarized On the Platform Be Legally Used?

Casey
  • Updated

Overview

Learn where you can use documents notarized on the Proof platform.

Also, check out What Documents Can Be Notarized on the Proof Platform? or Will My Document Be Accepted? for more information.

Documents for Use Within the United States

Proof is a remote electronic notary public platform that enables online notarization of documents for use in the United States. Every state provides legal authority for the recognition and acceptance of common out-of-state notarizations. 

If you have a valid United States Social Security number (SSN) and are currently traveling or living abroad, you can use Proof to notarize documents for use in the United States. When you sign up, use your current U.S. address, your most recent U.S. address, or a U.S. address at which you resided for an extended period of time.

SSN or ITIN

✅ For those who need to verify their identity and/or notarize documents intended for use within the U.S., you may be required to complete Knowledge-based Authentication (KBA). To help you complete KBA, the Proof platform can accept either a U.S. Social Security Number (SSN) or an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN).

The identifier used must be tied to sufficient records to generate identity verification questions, such as credit history, vehicle registration, etc.

Get started here!

⚠️ Always check with your own attorneys, advisors, or document recipients if you have any questions about whether your documents can be remotely notarized.

Documents for Use Outside of the United States

Proof should not be utilized when documents are intended for use outside of the United States:

  • The requirements for the online notarization of documents that are to be used in another country differ by state and are not automatically enforced by the Proof platform. 
  • An apostille granted by the notary’s commissioning state is usually required to authenticate documents for use in a foreign country. Most states have not developed a process for issuing apostilles for electronically notarized documents.
  • Finally, using the platform for these documents can implicate various laws that the platform is not configured to comply with, such as the data privacy laws of a foreign country.

As we are unable to ensure that the signer will be connected with a notary from a state that issues apostilles for these documents or that the notarization will comply with the necessary legal requirements, we recommend that the person bring their document to a traditional notary to complete their notarization.

Still have questions you can't find answers to? Click the chat icon in the corner of your screen to start a chat or email us at support@proof.com!

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