U.S. citizens, expats, and travelers abroad can often notarize eligible U.S.-related documents through a secure online session with a U.S.-commissioned notary — without visiting a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Yes — in many cases, eligible U.S.-related documents can be notarized while you are located outside the United States through a remote online notarization (RON) session with a U.S.-commissioned notary public. The process uses a secure live audio-video connection, so you do not need to travel to a physical office or visit a U.S. Embassy, Consulate, or government facility.
This guide is intended for U.S. citizens living abroad, American expats, international business travelers, military families stationed overseas, students studying internationally, and anyone else who needs to handle U.S. legal, financial, real estate, or personal documents from outside the country.
Important: Not every document or situation qualifies for remote online notarization, and acceptance still depends on the receiving party's requirements. Always confirm that your specific document and recipient accept remote online notarization before booking a session.
Americans living or traveling abroad often face urgent needs for notarized U.S. documents. Common situations include signing a power of attorney to authorize someone to handle real estate, financial, or legal matters back home; completing an affidavit required by a court, lender, or government agency; handling inheritance or estate matters; authorizing a child to travel internationally; and managing business transactions that require sworn statements or authorized signatures.
Historically, the option most people knew about was visiting a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Embassy and consulate notarial services exist specifically for U.S. citizens abroad, but they come with limitations: appointments can be difficult to schedule, wait times can be long, and some locations have limited availability. Not all documents can be handled there, and fees and requirements vary by post.
Remote online notarization offers a practical alternative for many eligible documents. The session takes place online, can often be scheduled more quickly, and may be completed from a hotel, home, office, or any location with a reliable internet connection.
The process for an international signer is the same as for a domestic signer. You submit your request, upload your unsigned document, and complete identity verification. Then you connect with a commissioned U.S. notary through a secure audio-video session, sign electronically, and download your notarized document digitally after the session.
Because iRemoteNotary is commissioned as a Florida Remote Online Notary — a U.S.-commissioned notary authorized to perform online notarizations — the notarial acts are governed by Florida RON law and performed under U.S. notarial authority. This means the resulting notarized document is a U.S. notarized document, which is what most U.S.-based receiving parties require.
For the session, you will need a device with a working camera and microphone, a stable internet connection, your unsigned document, and a valid government-issued photo ID. You must be able to appear clearly on camera and complete the identity verification process.
U.S. Embassy and Consulate notarial services and remote online notarization serve overlapping but distinct use cases. Embassy notarial services are provided by U.S. government officials at official U.S. diplomatic posts, and they are specifically designed for U.S. citizens abroad who need certain consular services. For some document types or receiving parties, an embassy or consulate notarization may still be required.
Remote online notarization, by contrast, is performed by a U.S.-commissioned notary public operating under state RON law. The notary is not a government official and iRemoteNotary is not affiliated with any U.S. Embassy, Consulate, Department of State office, or government agency. For many everyday legal, financial, real estate, and personal documents, however, a remotely notarized document from a commissioned state notary is all that is required.
The practical advantage of remote online notarization is speed and convenience. There is no need to travel to an embassy city, book an appointment weeks in advance, or limit yourself to embassy operating hours. The session can often be arranged on short notice and completed from wherever you are.
The most common documents that eligible international signers notarize online include powers of attorney (authorizing someone to act on your behalf in real estate, financial, or legal matters in the U.S.), affidavits (sworn statements required by courts, lenders, agencies, or institutions), real estate documents (seller documents, buyer authorizations, or refinancing paperwork), parental consent forms (for a child traveling with one parent or a guardian), business authorizations (such as corporate resolutions or agent authorization letters), and estate and financial documents.
The specific document types that can be notarized online depend on the receiving party's requirements and the nature of the notarial act. Some documents intended for use by foreign governments, foreign courts, or entities requiring an apostille or legalization may have additional requirements that go beyond a standard U.S. notarization.
If your document needs to be used in a country that requires an apostille, a U.S. notarization is typically the first step. You would then obtain an apostille from the appropriate U.S. state authority after notarization. iRemoteNotary does not provide apostille or legalization services — contact the relevant state office for that step.
Before booking, gather the following: your unsigned document in digital format ready to upload; a valid, current government-issued photo ID (a U.S. passport is ideal, but other qualifying IDs may be accepted); a device with a functioning camera and microphone; a reliable internet connection capable of supporting a live video call; and written instructions or confirmation from your receiving party that they accept remote online notarization.
If your document requires witnesses, confirm whether witnesses must appear online and how to arrange that before your session. Requirements vary by document type and state law.
If you are working with an attorney, lender, title company, or estate administrator back in the U.S., coordinate with them before your session to confirm the document format, notarial certificate language, and any additional requirements.
Yes, in many cases eligible U.S.-related documents can be notarized remotely through a secure online session with a U.S.-commissioned notary. You do not need to visit a U.S. Embassy or Consulate for most everyday legal, financial, or real estate documents. Always confirm acceptance with the receiving party before booking.
Yes, for eligible documents and receiving parties. iRemoteNotary is commissioned under Florida RON law, and the resulting notarized document is a U.S. notarized document. Whether it is accepted depends on the receiving party's requirements and applicable state or federal rules.
Not always. For many eligible documents, remote online notarization can be completed without an embassy or consulate visit. However, some document types or situations may still require embassy or consulate involvement. iRemoteNotary is not affiliated with any U.S. Embassy, Consulate, or government agency.
You generally need a valid, current government-issued photo ID. A U.S. passport is commonly used by international signers. Your ID must be clear enough to verify during the live video session. Exact requirements may vary by session type.
In many cases, yes. You need a reliable internet connection, a device with a camera and microphone, your unsigned document, and your ID. As long as you can complete identity verification and appear clearly on camera, your physical location is generally not a limitation.
Submit your request online, upload your unsigned document, verify your identity, and meet a commissioned notary by secure video session — available nationwide for eligible documents.