Can You Notarize a Document if the Person is Not Present?

Nikita M.

Media-savvy content creator, with a curiosity for all Salesforce experiences.

Updated: Apr 30th, 2025

“Can you notarize a document without the person being present?” is a great question. There are many solid reasons why you want to take this route, which is supported by remote online notarization services. 

Join us in the article below to find out more about this notary topic.

Let’s get started!

What Is Required for a Valid Notarization?

There are various laws and requirements per state, but here are two common points that make notarization valid.

Personal Appearance Requirement

Even though, in this day and age, you can choose between in-person or remote online notarization, there are still a few documents that require in-person notarization, such as wills and power of attorney. However, make sure to check your state’s local laws regarding notary services to be absolutely certain. 

Identity Verification

When you notarize a document, you will have to prove your identity. Remember to take your government-issued identity document with you when you want to notarize a document. 

Those are the two main requirements to ensure a notarized document is valid. Here are a few more:

The signer must be willing to sign the document.

The document must be complete and an original copy.

The document requires the certificate, signature, and official seal of a notary public.

Why Presence Matters in Notarization

When it comes to who needs to be present at notarization, the following question often pops up: Do both parties have to be present to notarize a document? The simple answer is no. Only the signer needs to present themselves to the notary. 

However, presence at notarization does matter. Here are two reasons why: 

Preventing Fraud

Without a notary public directly observing the signing process, a notarized document is not considered valid. This is another point that stresses the need to show up to a notary public service. You would assist the notary with their job and prevent the creation of fraudulent documents. 

Ensuring Willingness and Understanding

Being present while a document is notarized is important. It helps the notary public verify the signer’s identity and confidently confirm that the signer is willing to sign a document by asking them a few questions or witnessing their behaviors. 

Exceptions: Remote Online Notarization (RON)

But does the person have to be present for the notary? We have all heard about Remote Online Notarization (RON) being available in many states as of 2025. 

RON is an exception here. In this case, the signer would appear for notarization services virtually and not in person. This can be achieved when the RON company uses secure video conferencing software that meets the requirements of the state they are operating in. 

What Is RON?

RON stands for Remote Online Notarization, and it is a legal process. People can use RON services to notarize their documents via secure video conferencing software instead of meeting a notary public in person to complete the task. 

Is RON Legal in all States?

RON is not legal in all states of America. Although many states have allowed RON services to take place, others have restrictions, and some do not allow it. Make sure to check the laws of your state, especially if you need to notarize from a different state. 

How Signer Identity Is Verified Remotely

Secure digital methods will need to be employed when identifying a signer remotely. Here are a few methods to verify the identity of a signer remotely:

Scan the identity document of a signer. This would fall under credential analysis.

Answer personal questions that are checked with knowledge-based authentication.

Biometrics

Live video checks.

Wrapping Up Your Notarization Queries

Thanks for reading our short article on notarization. In it, we answered the question, “Can you notarize without the person present?” and many more. We hope we have given you all the necessary information to confidently continue your notarization tasks.

See you soon!

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