This article walks you through completing an online notarization for documents sent to you by an organization. You'll verify your identity, meet with a notary by video, and access your complete documents- all without leaving your screen.
Want to see how it works before you start? Try the interactive demo below:
Try the Interactive Demo
See exactly what to expect before your session. For optimal performance, view on a tablet or computer.
What You'll Need
Before you get started, have the following ready:
SSN or ITIN
Last 4 digits for knowledge-based authentication. If unavailable, selfie photo verification may be offered.
Government-Issued Photo ID
Required for credential analysis. Some documents need a secondary ID. See the list of acceptable forms of ID.
U.S. Address & Email
A current or former U.S. address and a valid email address.
Camera & Microphone
A device with audio and video capabilities for the live notary session.
Complete Your Transaction
You'll receive an email from noreply@proof.com on behalf of the organization inviting you to have your document notarized. Follow the steps below to complete your session.
1. Open Your Email and Get Started +
Open the email and click the button to get started. Set up a password when prompted — this is purely for security to protect your completed documents and won't subscribe you to any email lists. Depending on the organization's settings, you may also be asked to verify your identity via text message.
2. Confirm Your Name and Review the Document +
Click Notarize Now, then verify that your first and last name appear exactly as they do on your ID and click Confirm. Review the document — if any information is pre-populated and accurate, click Continue. If fields are grayed out, you'll fill them in during the notary meeting.
3. Provide Your Personal Information +
Enter your name, date of birth, the last 4 digits of your Social Security number, and your U.S. address. Enter your birth date in MM-DD-YYYY format — for example, July 12, 1989 should be entered as 07-12-1989. You can also add your pronouns if desired.
4. Confirm Your Location +
Indicate whether you're currently at your home address. This has no bearing on the notarization but is required for the notary's journal. Click Continue either way, and provide your present location if you're not at home.
5. Verify Your Identity +
Answer the security questions drawn from your personal background information. Then follow the on-screen instructions to capture photos of the front and back of your ID using your phone or webcam — make sure the photos are clear and not blurry. If a secondary ID is required, you'll be prompted to capture that too. If your secondary ID is not government-issued (such as a utility bill or bank statement), you'll see an option to upload it instead. Read more about identity verification.
6. Enable Your Camera and Microphone +
Click Allow when prompted for camera and microphone access. Select your camera, microphone, and speakers from the dropdown menus under the video feed.
7. Meet With Your Notary +
Click Start meeting to connect with your notary. They'll verify your identity by reviewing your ID, ask a few standard questions to confirm you understand what you're signing, witness your signature, and affix the notary seal. The notary will end the call when everything is complete.
8. Pay and Access Your Documents +
If you're responsible for covering the cost of the notarization, you'll be prompted to enter your payment information at this point. Once payment is confirmed, your completed documents will be available to access and download. If the organization is covering the cost, you can access your documents immediately.
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