Living, working, or studying overseas doesn’t stop life back home. Closing on a house, signing a power of attorney for a family member, handling an estate, or sending paperwork to a U.S. bank can all require a notarized signature. The good news: with remote online notarization (RON), Americans abroad can notarize U.S. documents from anywhere in the world, without a trip to the embassy or a flight home.
In this guide, we’ll explain how online notarization works for U.S. citizens and expats living overseas, what you’ll need, and how to take the next step if your document also needs an apostille.
What Is Remote Online Notarization (RON)?
Remote online notarization is a fully digital notarization. Instead of meeting a notary in person, you connect with a commissioned notary public over a secure, live audio-video session. Your identity is verified online, you sign your document electronically, and the notary applies an electronic signature and seal. The session is recorded and securely stored, as required by law.
RON is authorized in most U.S. states, and a document notarized online by a commissioned notary carries the same legal weight as one notarized in person.
Can You Use an Online Notary If You Live Outside the U.S.?
In many cases, yes. Most states that authorize remote online notarization allow the signer to be physically located outside the United States, as long as the document relates to a matter in the U.S. (for example, property, a court case, a bank, or a government agency) and the act isn’t prohibited in the country where you’re located.
That makes RON one of the easiest ways for U.S. citizens abroad, military families, students, digital nomads, and expats to get documents notarized without leaving home.
Online Notary vs. U.S. Embassy: Which Is Easier?
Traditionally, Americans overseas had two choices: find a U.S. embassy or consulate that offers notarial services, or wait until their next trip home. Embassy appointments can be limited, may require travel to another city, and availability varies by location.
Remote online notarization offers a more flexible option:
- No travel: notarize from your home, office, or hotel.
- Flexible scheduling: book a time that works across time zones.
- Faster turnaround: most sessions take just a few minutes once you’re prepared.
- Digital delivery: receive your notarized document electronically, ready to send.
Common Documents Americans Abroad Notarize Online
- Powers of attorney (for property, banking, or family matters)
- Real estate documents, such as deeds and sale paperwork
- Affidavits and sworn statements
- Estate and trust paperwork
- Vehicle title and DMV forms
- Parental consent and travel authorization letters
- Business agreements and corporate documents
- Bank, retirement account, and financial institution forms
Not sure if your document qualifies? Reach out to Hannah Notarizes and we’ll help you confirm before your appointment.
What You’ll Need for Your Remote Notary Session
- A valid government-issued photo ID, such as a passport or driver’s license.
- A computer or smartphone with a camera, microphone, and a stable internet connection.
- Your document in digital format (PDF works best), unsigned.
- A quiet, well-lit space where you can be clearly seen and heard.
How to Notarize a U.S. Document From Overseas, Step by Step
- Book your appointment online. Choose a time that works for your time zone.
- Upload your document. We’ll review it to make sure it’s ready for notarization.
- Verify your identity. Complete the secure ID check before or at the start of your session.
- Meet your notary on video. Your notary confirms your identity and that you’re signing willingly.
- Sign electronically. The notary then applies their electronic signature and seal.
- Receive your notarized document. Download it right away and send it wherever it needs to go.
Does Your Document Also Need an Apostille?
If your notarized document will be used in another country, rather than sent back to the U.S., it may need an apostille. An apostille is a certificate issued by a U.S. Secretary of State that authenticates the notarization so it’s recognized in countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention.
Documents notarized online can typically be apostilled by the Secretary of State in the notary’s commissioning state. Hannah Notarizes handles the full process, from notarization to apostille submission and delivery, so you don’t have to coordinate it yourself. Learn more in our guides to apostille services and global document authentication and notarizing a passport copy for apostille.
Tip: some foreign agencies and institutions still require original wet-ink documents. Always confirm what the receiving office will accept before you begin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an online notarization legally valid?
Yes. When performed by a notary commissioned for remote online notarization, following that state’s laws, an online notarization is legally valid and is generally recognized across the United States.
Can I get a document notarized online if I’m not a U.S. citizen?
Yes. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen to have a document notarized online. You just need a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a passport.
How long does a remote online notarization take?
Once your document is uploaded and your ID is ready, most sessions take about 10 to 15 minutes.
Can multiple signers in different countries sign the same document?
In many cases, yes. Each signer joins from their own device and completes their own ID verification. Have an email address ready for each signer.
Notarize Your U.S. Documents From Anywhere
Whether you’re in London, Lagos, Tokyo, or anywhere in between, you don’t need to put your plans on hold to handle U.S. paperwork. Hannah Notarizes LLC provides secure remote online notarization and full-service apostille support for Americans abroad and international clients worldwide.
Visit HannahNotarizes.com to learn more or schedule your session.
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