A checklist for every signer
Remote online notarization includes an identity and appearance process, not just a PDF upload. The exact verification technology depends on the applicable state law, the notary's authorization, and the platform used for the session. Use the checklist below to reduce preventable interruptions.
Confirm your legal name
Use the name shown on the identity document you intend to present. Notify the team if the document uses a different name or a name changed after marriage or another event.
Have your ID available
Keep a current, accepted government-issued identification document handy. Identity proofing methods and acceptance rules vary. An ID can be rejected if it is expired, damaged, unreadable, or otherwise unsuitable.
Use a working camera and microphone
Choose a quiet, well-lit location with a stable connection. Test your browser, camera permissions, microphone, and any session invitation ahead of time.
Coordinate additional signers
Every person who must sign should be identified in the booking. The notary will determine whether all parties can join one session and what individual verification is required.
Check witness requirements
Some documents require witnesses in addition to notarization. Confirm the number of witnesses, their eligibility, and whether remote witnessing is permitted before booking.
Keep the document complete
Upload all relevant pages, exhibits, and instructions. Leave spaces for signatures and dates unexecuted where the notary needs to witness the action live.
Why is identity verification part of the process?
The notary must have a legally sufficient basis to identify the signer. Depending on the rules and technology, a remote session may involve credential analysis, identity-proofing questions, the notary's personal knowledge, or another permissible statutory method. The notary must also communicate live with the signer as required.
For New York electronic notarizations, official state guidance describes authorized verification methods and the need for real-time audio-video communication. Consult the New York Department of State notary guidance for details. Our site does not itself perform identity proofing when you submit the initial booking form; that occurs through the authorized session workflow.
Common issues that can delay a session
- Not everyone is available: a required signer or witness is absent at the confirmed appointment time.
- Insufficient document instructions: the customer is not sure whether the recipient requires a jurat, an acknowledgment, or an original paper document.
- Identity mismatch: information entered during intake does not match the identification presented, or the identity-verification process cannot be completed.
- Technical interruptions: the connection drops, the camera is not working, or the signer cannot join the approved session platform.
- Different jurisdiction rules: the document, the signer’s location, or its destination requires additional review or a different process.
What should I do if I cannot complete verification?
Do not repeatedly submit sensitive identity information through unrelated websites or send ID photographs by ordinary email unless you have verified that the service specifically requires it through an approved method. Contact support or the assigned notary for the available next steps. Another notarial method, a different time, or an in-person appointment may be necessary. The notary makes the final decision about legally acceptable identity proofing.
How many signers can I add?
The Remote Notarize Now booking form collects the number of signers and the relevant contact details. That helps the team estimate work, coordinate scheduling, and determine whether a particular notary or platform can accommodate the request. Multiple signers may have separate verification, signatures, or charges; one upload does not automatically mean one notarial act.
All set?
Start your booking by uploading the documents, then add the signers and appointment preferences.
Begin document intake ↗