The short answer: Documents notarized on Proof are intended for use within the United States only. If your document needs to be recognized internationally, Proof is not the right solution — visit a traditional notary instead.
1. Documents for Use Within the United States
Proof allows you to notarize documents online for use nationwide. Every state provides legal authority for the recognition and acceptance of common out-of-state notarizations.
Traveling or living abroad? +
If you have a valid U.S. Social Security number and are currently traveling or living abroad, you can still use Proof as long as your document is for U.S. use. 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.
What ID do I need to verify my identity? +
The Proof platform can accept either a U.S. Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for knowledge-based authentication. The identifier you use must be tied to sufficient records to generate identity verification questions, such as credit history or vehicle registration.
2. Documents for Use Outside the United States
Proof should not be used when your document is intended for use outside of the United States.
Why can't I use Proof for foreign documents? +
- The requirements for online notarization of documents 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.
- Using the platform for these documents can implicate various laws that Proof is not configured to comply with, such as the data privacy laws of a foreign country.
What should I do instead? +
Since we can't guarantee that you'll be connected with a notary from a state that issues apostilles, or that the notarization will meet the necessary legal requirements, we recommend bringing your document to a traditional notary for these situations.
Summary Checklist
- Proof can only be used to notarize documents for use within the United States.
- If traveling or living abroad, you can still use Proof as long as your document is for U.S. use and you have a valid U.S. SSN or ITIN.
- If your document is for use outside the U.S., visit a traditional notary instead.
- Always check with your attorneys, advisors, or document recipients if you're unsure whether your document can be remotely notarized.
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