If you live outside the United States and need an American document notarized \u2014 a power of attorney, a real estate document, a business filing \u2014 you don\u2019t need to fly to the U.S. or track down a local notary who happens to work with foreign documents. Remote online notarization (RON) lets you connect with a licensed U.S. notary over a live video call and complete the entire process from wherever you are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This guide walks through how remote online notarization works for international clients, what to expect from the identity verification process if you don\u2019t hold a U.S. ID, how foreign documents fit into the picture, and where to go for answers that are specific to your situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Remote online notarization is a process that allows a commissioned notary to verify a signer\u2019s identity, witness a signature, and notarize a document over a live audio-video connection instead of in person. For someone living outside the U.S., the practical difference is significant: instead of scheduling a trip, visiting a consulate, or waiting weeks for a document to travel back and forth by mail, you can complete the entire signing in a single online session, on your own schedule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It helps to separate RON from two things it\u2019s often confused with. It isn\u2019t the same as simply scanning and emailing a signed document \u2014 a notary still has to verify your identity and witness the signing, just remotely rather than in the same room. And it\u2019s a step beyond older \u201celectronic notarization\u201d programs that still required the signer to be physically present with the notary; RON is built specifically so the signer\u2019s location doesn\u2019t need to match the notary\u2019s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are a handful of situations where people living outside the U.S. most often come to us needing a document notarized.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Real estate purchases and closings by foreign buyers. Buying a condo, an investment property, or a vacation home in the U.S. usually involves signing documents that require notarization, and closing timelines rarely wait for international mail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Power of attorney for U.S. affairs while living abroad. Expats, dual nationals, and family members handling a relative\u2019s affairs in the U.S. frequently need a notarized power of attorney so someone on the ground can act on their behalf \u2014 for banking, property, healthcare decisions, or estate matters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Immigration, business formation, and banking documents. Sworn statements, affidavits, paperwork for forming a U.S. business entity, and account-opening documents for U.S. financial institutions often require a notarized signature before they can move forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In each of these cases, the person who needs to sign is the one living outside the country \u2014 which is exactly the gap remote online notarization was built to close.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is the question we hear most often, and the honest, short answer is: in many cases, yes. Remote sessions are generally designed so a signer can join from another country, using a computer or smartphone with a camera and a stable internet connection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That said, we won\u2019t pretend every case is identical. Whether remote notarization is the right fit for your document \u2014 and what to expect from the process \u2014 depends on the specific document, where it\u2019s going, and what the receiving party requires. Rather than offer a blanket answer that might not hold up for your particular situation, we\u2019d rather walk you through it directly.\u00a0Contact our team<\/a> and we\u2019ll tell you plainly what applies to your document before you schedule anything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the biggest hesitations we hear from international clients is around identification: \u201cI don\u2019t have a U.S. driver\u2019s license or Social Security number \u2014 can I still do this?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n In general, a valid, unexpired foreign passport is commonly used as identification for a remote session, alongside an identity-verification step designed to confirm you are who you say you are. Exactly what\u2019s required can vary depending on the type of document and the specific session, so we always recommend confirming the details with us before you schedule, rather than assuming based on something you read elsewhere. That way there are no surprises when you sit down for your video call.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1. Send us your document \u2014 <\/strong>Share the document you need notarized so we can confirm it\u2019s a good fit for a remote session and flag anything you should prepare in advance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. Schedule a time that works across time zones \u2014 <\/strong>We work with clients across many countries, so we\u2019ll find a session time that\u2019s reasonable on your end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3. Verify your identity \u2014 <\/strong>You\u2019ll complete an identity-verification step using your passport or other accepted ID before the session begins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4. Join the video call \u2014 <\/strong>You\u2019ll meet with a notary over a live video connection to sign your document, from wherever you are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 5. Receive your notarized document \u2014 <\/strong>Once the session is complete, you\u2019ll receive your notarized document electronically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is a general description of what to expect \u2014 the exact steps can vary slightly depending on your document and situation, which is exactly why we recommend a quick conversation before you schedule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n International clients sometimes come to us with the reverse situation: a document issued in another country \u2014 a foreign power of attorney, a foreign business record, a birth or marriage certificate \u2014 that needs to work within the American legal or financial system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is a distinct topic with its own considerations around translation and authentication. In short, notarization, certified translation, and document authentication are related but separate steps, and which ones apply to your document depends on where it\u2019s from and where it\u2019s going. The safest path is to send us the details of your specific document and let us tell you what\u2019s actually needed, rather than guess.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is another version of a question we get constantly, and it deserves the same honest answer as above: it depends on your document, your country, and the institution or authority that will receive it on the other end. We can\u2019t make a blanket promise that any particular foreign bank, court, or government office will accept a U.S.-notarized document \u2014 that\u2019s simply not something anyone can guarantee in general terms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What we can do is walk through your specific situation with you, share what we\u2019ve seen work for similar cases, and help you understand what additional steps, if any, might be worth taking before you rely on the document. If international recognition matters for your document, that conversation is worth having before you sign, not after. Reach out to our team<\/a> with the details and we\u2019ll give you a straight answer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Miami is one of the most international cities in the United States \u2014 a genuine crossroads for real estate investment, business formation, and family affairs that span multiple countries. Our team works with international clients regularly, which means we\u2019re used to the questions, the time zone juggling, and the extra care that comes with a foreign passport or a document headed overseas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We won\u2019t tell you that our location gives you some special legal advantage \u2014 what matters more is a team that has actually done this before and knows how to make an international session go smoothly. If that\u2019s what you\u2019re looking for, our notary and consulting team in Miami, Florida<\/a> is a good place to start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Can I get a U.S. document notarized if I don\u2019t live in the U.S.?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n In many cases, yes \u2014 remote sessions are generally designed so signers can join from other countries. The specifics depend on your document and situation, so contact us directly and we\u2019ll confirm what applies to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What ID can non-U.S. citizens use for online notarization?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n A valid, unexpired foreign passport is commonly used as identification, alongside an identity-verification step. Exact requirements can vary, so it\u2019s best to contact us before your session so there are no surprises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do I need an apostille in addition to notarization?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Sometimes, depending on where the document is going and who will receive it. Contact us with details on your document and destination, and we\u2019ll help you figure out the right sequence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Will a remote online notarization be accepted outside the United States?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n It depends entirely on the receiving country, institution, and document type. We can\u2019t guarantee acceptance by any specific third party, but we\u2019re happy to talk through your situation and share what we\u2019ve seen work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do I need to be a U.S. citizen or have a Social Security number?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Generally no, but the exact identity-verification steps can vary by situation. Contact us ahead of time and we\u2019ll walk you through what you\u2019ll need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How long does a remote notarization session take?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Sessions are generally efficient once identity verification and document upload are complete, often well under 20 minutes. Contact us to schedule a time that works across time zones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or immigration advice. Notarization requirements, document acceptance, and international recognition vary by state, country, receiving institution, and the specific facts of each situation. Nothing in this content creates an attorney-client relationship or any other professional relationship, and no guarantee is made that a document notarized through this process will be accepted by any particular third party, court, agency, or foreign authority. Before relying on this information for an actual transaction, filing, or legal matter, contact us directly<\/a> to review your specific document and circumstances. We\u2019ll evaluate your case individually and confirm the right process before you proceed.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat ID Do Non-U.S. Citizens Need for Remote Notarization?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How a Remote Session Generally Works<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What About Documents That Aren\u2019t American?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Will It Work in My Home Country?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Why Work With a Miami-Based Team for International Clients<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Frequently Asked Questions<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A Note Before You Proceed<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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