Skip to main content

What to expect during online notarization with Proof

  • Updated

This is an overview of what the signer can expect during a notarization meeting. 

Notarizations can be initiated by:

  • The signer
  • Receiving an email or text message from an organization or notary
  • Using a link or QR code provided by an organization or notary

These transactions are all the same except in how the signer accesses the transaction (more on this below).

Who this is for

The information and/or process below applies to all users on the Proof platform.

What signers need

To notarize a document using the Proof platform, signers must meet certain conditions and they must have documentation to verify their identity. Read more about what you need for online notarization here.

How to begin

For signers who would like to initiate your own transaction: Begin the process with the steps below.

  1. Visit the upload page using a device that meets the minimum system requirements.
  2. Upload a PDF your document(s) from your device.

For signers who  received an email or link from an organization or notary: Simply click the link they provided to get started. Depending on the sender's settings, you may be able to upload your own document. 

When one of these options is completed, the procedure is as described below, regardless of how the transaction was initiated.

Notarization process

Once you're in the Proof platform, you can expect the process to be as follows:

  1. Provide your email address so we can send your completed documents to you.
  2. Provide your personal information (name, date of birth, last 4 digits of U.S. Social Security number, current or previous U.S. address).
  3. Indicate if you're currently physically located at your home address. 
    • If Yes, click Continue and proceed through the process.
    • If No, click Continue and provide the address of your present location. 
  4. Verify your identity:
    • Correctly answer 5 security questions within 2 minutes.
    • Take pictures of the front and back of your photo ID, including your secondary ID, if required for your document.
  5. Complete a quick tech check to ensure your camera, speakers, and microphone are working properly.
  6. Agree to the notarization fee and connect with the notary by video call.
  7. Follow the notary's instructions during the notarization session.
  8. The notary ends the call.
  9. Pay for the notarization.

After the notarization

After the call, signers can view and download to their documents depending on payment.

  • If signers pay for the transaction, they access the documents after payment is received.
  • If the transaction is paid by an organization or notary who sent the documents, signers can access documents immediately.

Signers receive an email with a link to the document(s) and can log in to their account to access it.

Signers can also share a completed document via email or download. Anyone who receives documents can validate a notarized document in the Proof verification portal and review audit trails.

Related articles