Upload a Document to Start a Notarization – Proof Help Center
The article explains how to upload a PDF or Word document via a web browser to connect with a live notary for remote notarization, detailing required items such as a U.S. SSN or ITIN, government-issued photo ID, U.S. address, email, and a device with audio/video, and provides step-by-step instructions for uploading, reviewing, and preparing the document for signing.
Upload your own document and connect with a notary directly from your browser. If an organization or notary sent you a link to sign, see the article on signing a document sent to you by an organization—this article covers the self-upload workflow only.
Upload and Notarize Your Own Document
What You'll Need
Before you get started, have the following ready:
- PDF or DOCX Document: A PDF or Word (.docx) file of your document. Other file formats are not supported.
- SSN or ITIN: A U.S. Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for identity verification. If you don't have one, you may be given the option to verify using selfie photos compared to your photo ID.
- Government-Issued Photo ID: Required for credential analysis. Some documents may require a secondary ID—check your document instructions. See the list of acceptable forms of ID.
- U.S. Address & Email: A current or former U.S. address and a valid email address.
- Device: A device with audio and video capabilities for the live notary session.
Upload Your Document
You can complete these steps using a web browser (like Chrome or Safari) on your computer or smartphone.
- 1.Open the Upload Page
- Go to the upload document page to get started.
- 2.Add Your Document
- Click Add a Document to select a PDF or Word (.docx) file from your device. You can also scan the QR code with your smartphone to scan a physical document.
- To add another document, click Add a Document again.
- To rename the file, click the pencil icon to the right of the file name.
- To remove the file, click the trash bin icon.
- Click Continue when you're done.
- 3.Review Your Document
- Check the preview to make sure everything looks correct, then click Continue.
- Note: Make sure the entire document is uploaded—not just the signature page.
- 4.Indicate Who Needs to Sign
- If anyone else needs to sign, select Yes and follow the instructions in the article on getting a document notarized with two or more signers. If it's just you, select No and continue.
- 5.Create Your Account
- Provide your email address or sign up with Google, then create a password and click Continue.
- Pro tip: Once your account is created, you can stop and resume the process at any time by logging back in to your Proof account.
- 6.Indicate if a Witness Is Required
- If your document requires a witness, they must be physically in the room with you, or the notary can invite an On-Demand Witness for an additional fee.
- 7.Provide Your Name
- Enter your name and click Continue. You can also click + Add pronouns if you'd like to include them.
- 8.Prepare Your Document
- Use the toolbar on the right to place fields on your document, marking where your name, date, and other information will go. The notary adds their own required fields when you meet. Once you're satisfied, click Continue. For a full explanation of every available field, see the article on preparing a document after you upload.
- 9.Verify Your Identity
- Provide your date of birth and the last 4 digits of your U.S. Social Security number. Enter your birth date in MM-DD-YYYY format (e.g., 07-12-1989).
- 10.Provide Your Address and Location
- Enter your home address, then indicate whether you're currently at that address. If you're not, click Continue and provide your present location. This information has no bearing on the notarization but is required for the notary's journal.
- 11.Meet with Your Notary
- Follow the prompts to connect with your notary and complete your notarization session.
Summary Checklist
- Have your PDF or DOCX document, SSN or ITIN, government-issued photo ID, U.S. address, and a device with audio and video ready.
- Upload your PDF or DOCX file and confirm the full document is included, not just the signature page.
- Create your account, place your document fields, and verify your identity.
- Provide your address and location, then follow the prompts to meet with your notary.
Still unsure? If you have questions about whether your document will be accepted, check out the article on document acceptance. For technical help, contact Proof Support.
Related
Where Documents Notarized on Proof Can Be Legally Used
Documents notarized through Proof are legally valid only within the United States, as the platform supports nationwide online notarization using U.S.-based identity verification, but it does not meet the international requirements such as apostilles needed for documents intended for use outside the U.S., for which traditional notarization is recommended.
Sign a Document Sent to You by an Organization Using Proof – Proof Help Center
The article provides a step-by-step guide for completing an online notarization of documents sent by an organization using Proof, detailing required items such as SSN/ITIN, government-issued ID, U.S. address, email, and a device with camera and microphone, and explaining the process of verifying identity, reviewing and confirming document details, and meeting with a live notary via video without leaving your screen.
ShiftKey Notarization Process and Requirements
The ShiftKey notarization process involves starting the signing on the Proof platform, verifying identity with a valid government-issued photo ID and an address ID matching Form 1583, connecting via live video with a commissioned notary who witnesses the signature, and then completing payment to download the notarized documents, with specific acceptable forms of ID including passports, driver’s licenses, and various official documents.
Proof Business Pro
Proof Business Pro is a comprehensive, pay-per-transaction platform offering online notarization starting at $25 per meeting, identity verification from $4 per person, and eSignature services at $4 per transaction, designed to streamline business operations with automated transaction management, robust security, and flexible workflows that enhance efficiency, reduce errors, and provide seamless, secure customer interactions anytime, anywhere.
Fully Online Closing Overview
A fully online closing allows you to complete all signing and notarization steps remotely using a device with camera and microphone, requiring identity verification via SSN/ITIN or photo ID, a U.S. address, and a live video session with a notary, all facilitated through the Proof platform without any printing or in-person appointments.
What You Need for Online Notarization
To complete an online notarization, you must be at least 18, have six months of credit history, a U.S. address, and a U.S. document intended for use in the U.S., and be prepared with a U.S. SSN or ITIN for identity verification, a government-issued photo ID (and possibly a secondary ID), a valid email, and a device with audio and video capabilities to ensure a secure and compliant live video session.