The short answer: Proof supports three types of multi-signer transactions — co-located, concurrent, and split signing — each designed for different signer locations and setups. The last signer pays all fees, and every signer must complete identity verification individually.
Transactions With Multiple Signers
Not all signers are in the same place — and Proof is built to handle that. Depending on where your signers are located and how they'll join the meeting, there are three ways to structure a multi-signer transaction:
All signers are in the same room and join a single notary meeting together on one shared device.
Signers are in different locations but join the same notary meeting at the same time, each from their own device.
Signers are in different locations and each meets with a notary in their own separate session.
No matter which type applies, every signer must complete their own identity verification individually. Use the table below to compare each transaction type at a glance:
| Type | Physical Location | Device | Notary Meeting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Co-located | Together | Same device | Same meeting |
| Concurrent | Separate | Different device | Same meeting |
| Split signing | Separate | Different device | Separate meeting |
Mixing E-Sign and Notarization Requirements
Not every signer on a transaction needs to be notarized. With mixed signer requirements, a sender can add a recipient who only needs to e-sign a document within a transaction that otherwise requires notarization for other signers — helpful for scenarios like counter-signing a notarized document with a simple e-signature.
To use this, set each recipient's requirement individually in the transaction creation form — some can be marked as needing notarization, while others are marked as e-sign only.
Who Pays for a Multi-Signer Transaction
When a transaction involves multiple signers, the last signer is prompted to pay all required fees on behalf of everyone. Once payment is received, the completed documents are immediately available to all parties.
If an organization sent you the transaction, they may cover the cost entirely — in that case, no payment prompt will appear. For a full breakdown of fees, read How Much Does Notarization Cost on the Proof Platform?
Why am I being asked to pay for everyone? +
If you're the last signer, you'll see a payment prompt that includes the fees for all signers in the transaction. This is by design — Proof collects payment once, at the end, to keep the process simple. The total you see is for the entire transaction, not just your portion.
What if the last signer isn't expecting the payment prompt? +
If you're the sender, let your signers know in advance that the last person to complete will be asked to pay. You can also coordinate payment between signers before the session — Proof doesn't split the charge between participants.
What if the last signer declines to pay? +
The transaction cannot be completed until payment is made. The last signer must make the payment — Proof Support is unable to change the payee.
What if a Signer Doesn't Complete Their Session?
What happens next depends on which signing type you're using:
Split Signing +
If a signer hasn't started their session yet, the transaction stays open and they'll receive reminder emails. The transaction can't be marked complete until every signer has finished. If a signer is no longer able to complete the transaction, contact the person or organization who sent you the transaction — they may be able to recall it and resend with updated signer information.
Concurrent Signing +
If a signer gets disconnected mid-session, the notary can remove them from the meeting so the remaining signers can continue. The removed signer will then need to complete a separate notary session. If the disconnected signer completes the pre-meeting steps before the meeting ends, they may still be able to rejoin the same session.
Co-located Signing +
If a signer leaves the session before signing, the meeting will need to be restarted once all signers are present. All participants must be in the room for the entire session.
Summary Checklist
- There are three multi-signer transaction types: co-located, concurrent, and split signing.
- Each signer must complete their own identity verification, regardless of transaction type.
- Selfie comparison only works for co-located signings — other multi-signer types use different verification methods.
- Up to 10 devices can connect to a single meeting, with a maximum of 2 witnesses.
- Mixed signer requirements let you add e-sign-only recipients alongside signers who need notarization, in the same transaction.
- The last signer pays all required fees — let signers know in advance so the payment prompt isn't a surprise.
- If a signer can't complete their session, what happens next depends on the signing type — split, concurrent, and co-located each handle it differently.
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