What You Need for Online Notarization

Audience: Everyone

Before your notarization session, make sure you meet a few requirements and have the right items ready. This article walks you through everything you need to get started, covering mandatory identity verification steps as well as the technical requirements for your hardware and software. Ensuring you're prepared will help keep your transaction secure and your live video session running smoothly.

What You Need for Online Notarization

Requirements

Before jumping in, make sure you meet all three of the following:

Requirement Details
Age You must be at least 18 years old.
Credit History At least 6 months of credit history to generate identity verification questions.
U.S. Document Must be intended for use within the U.S.

What You'll Need

To keep your transaction secure and compliant, you will need to complete a few mandatory identity verification steps. Please have the following items on hand to begin:

1. U.S. SSN or ITIN +

You'll need a U.S. Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for knowledge-based authentication (KBA). The identifier must be tied to sufficient records to generate identity verification questions, such as credit history or vehicle registration.

If you don't have a Social Security number or ITIN, you may be given the option to verify using selfie photos compared to your photo ID instead.

2. Photo ID +

You'll need a government-issued photo ID for credential analysis. Some documents have specific ID requirements, so follow any instructions provided in your document. You can also check the list of acceptable forms of ID for most documents.

Some documents may also require a secondary ID, so review your document carefully before your session.

3. Other Items +
  • A U.S. address
  • A valid email address
  • A device with audio and video capabilities for the live notary session

Hardware and Software Requirements

A smooth session depends on a stable connection and the right setup. Review the requirements below to ensure your device, browser, and internet speed are optimized for a live video call.

1. A Compatible Device +
  • A computer with a webcam, microphone, and speakers
  • A mobile device with audio and video capabilities
2. A Supported Browser +
  • Mozilla Firefox
  • Google Chrome
  • Safari
  • Microsoft Edge
  • Notarize app for Apple or Android
⚠️
Do not use the mobile app for real estate closings or any transaction initiated by a business. Use one of the browsers listed above. Your browser will also need permission to access your camera and microphone. Check out enable camera and microphone access for mobile devices for instructions.
3. A Strong Internet Connection +

A reliable internet connection is essential for a smooth video session with your notary. Read the minimum system requirements for full details on specific devices and internet requirements.


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Still unsure? If you have questions about what's needed for your specific document, review your document instructions and contact the document recipient. For technical help, contact Proof Support.

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