Electronic notarization is a process whereby a notary affixes an electronic notary signature and seal information to an electronic document (such as a PDF or Word document). Once affixed to the electronic document, the document is rendered tamper evident such that unauthorized attempts to alter the document will be evident to relying parties. The Electronic Notary also must keep an electronic register of each act performed.  E-notarization can be performed in person but the document is held electronically.

With remote notarization, a signer personally appears before the Notary at the time of the notarization using audio-visual technology over the internet instead of being physically present in the same room. Remote online notarization is also called webcam notarization, online notarization or virtual notarization.  The Notary Public is required to be in their commissioned state at the time of notarization, but the signer can be located anywhere in the world.

Only notaries commissioned by the Commonwealth of Virginia are allowed to notarize documents online, Virginia explicitly gives its notaries the ability to notarize documents from people outside of Virginia. In addition, the Full Faith and Credit Clause of the US Constitution requires each state respect the “public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of every other state.”

Yes. Please be advised that audio-video conference will be recorded in compliance with Virginia law VOC § 47.1-2. The electronic record of an electronic notarial act must be maintained for a period of at least five years from the date the notarial act was performed.

If you can answer “Yes” to the following questions, then you qualify for remote notarization and can complete the required ID verification:

• Are you 18 years of age or older?
• Do you have a social security number?
• Do you have a US driver’s license, state ID or Passport?
• Do you have at least five (5) years of US credit history?
• Are you a US citizen? YOU MUST BE A US CITIZEN
• Do you have a mobile phone number with texting capabilities?

NON US Phone numbers and foreign IDs can be used as an alternative.  If you are a NON US Citizen, you may be able to use the credible witness option of identity verification, please contact in advance for instructions.

• Laptop, desktop or mobile device.
• Chrome, Firefox or Safari (version 11 or higher) browser.
• A camera and microphone on the device that is accessible by the browser.
• Permission for the browser to access the camera and microphone.
• Each signer MUST have their own device and unique email address.
• US phone number with text message capabilities.
• High speed Internet access.

• Documents being used outside of the US.
• Wills, codicils, testamentary trusts (state of Virginia)
• Motor vehicle title transfers.
• Any document with odometer statement/reading.
• Any document in which the notary is named or has any beneficial interest.
• I-9 verification documents.
• Marriage ceremonies.
• Certified true copies of birth, marriage, death certificates, court issued documents.
• Any document notarized previously by another online notary.

Before requesting remote notarization, check with recipient of the document to ensure electronic signature and notarization is acceptable.  While RON is legal, there are some entities that will not accept remotely notarized documents.  Please verify in advance.

Prior to your scheduled appointment, upload your document to ensure proper notarial wording is in place and to also prepare the document for electronic signing.

If you do not have an appointment and just want your document reviewed, upload and send an email to info@AfterHoursVA.com with the name of your file.

Upload securely here:

The Notary Public cannot provide legal advice or assistance with completing the document. Contact the drafter or requester of the document.

Do NOT sign the document until you are in the presence of the Notary.

Complete the document in its entirety before uploading and fill in all necessary blanks on the document, but Do Not sign the document.

The Signer(s) of the document must be physically present via audio video and of sound mind.

Signer(s) must present acceptable unexpired identification.

Signer(s) must be able to communicate with the Notary directly and CAN NOT use a translator or be guided by a third party.